Gina Speed
One of the greatest delights in France is all of the fresh food markets you will discover around every corner. Hop on the metro to the Paris 7th arrondissement with your market bag in tow. You will find some of the city’s best boulangeries, fromageries, and chocolateries on one magical street.
Paris 7th Arrondissement by Metro
We hope your took our advice when we explored Ground Zero and are taking the metro everywhere. Rue Cler is just around the corner from the metro stop Ecole Militaire. As you exit the Paris 7th arrondissement metro, pass the grocery stores (also a delight to shop in) and turn left. You will be at the beginning of 3 blocks of quaint cafes sandwiched between vegetable stands and specialty food stores.
Locals Only/ jk
We highlighted a similar street in the 2nd arrondissement, called Rue de Montorgueil. If you like less crowds and more of a local vibe, the Paris 7th arrondissement might be more to your taste. The grocers are friendly and helpful and will give you advice on the best fruits and vegetables to buy (based on season and local).
À la Mère de Famille
À la Mère de Famille is a wonderful chocolaterie and is one of the first shops on your right that we recommend. Founded in 1761, it is one of the oldest sweet shops in the Paris 7th arrondissement. It is a perfect stop for take-home gifts and a bon bon or two for yourself. The chocolate is rich and creamy; a perfect slice of Parisian heaven!
La Fromagerie
Continue down the street to La Fromagerie, a wonderful cheese shop full of every kind of cheese you can imagine. This little shop in the Paris 7th arrondissement was one of our favorites in the city. If you like a good sharp cheese, with a nutty bite, try a Comte. It pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine and the small white specs are actually salt. #addictedtocomte.
Charcuterie
Down from La Fromagerie is a charcuterie, or delicatessen, with wonderfully friendly shop owners and amazing salamis to choose from. Remember, you are shopping at specialty food stores and the Paris 7th arrondissement shops are all about quality. Consider anything you buy on Rue Cler as a splurge and don’t gawk over the prices.
Home-Cooked Meal
Finally, if you are staying at an AirBnb, consider getting a fresh cut from a boucherie to take home and cook. (Click this link to save $40 off your next AirBnb stay.) Some of our best meals started with a simple stroll down Rue Cler. There are so many interesting things to choose from and everything is so fresh and delightful. A pan-seared roast doesn’t need much else when it’s purchased fresh from the block.
Perfect Little Lunches
When you’ve had your fill of market shopping (and we mean your shopping bag is full!), take your treasures straight to the fridge. Because food found on Rue Cler is so fresh, we recommend only shopping for 2-3 days max. Pack an easy lunch of baguette, salami, and cheese to enjoy as you travel through Paris. With all of those steps you’re sure to be taking, your stomach will thank you!