Foods You Shouldn't Buy In Paris Supermarkets
We can't deny that Paris is widely known as the food capital of the world, and for good reason! From its delicious croissants and macarons to its adventurous Cuisses de Grenouille (frog legs), foie gras, and escargots, the city offers a variety of cuisines to meet all kinds of palates.
Paris is also packed with amazing restaurants, from formal five-star establishments to cafes and cozy bistros to suit any budget. And the city's diverse culture means there's something to suit every taste. So, why not fully immerse yourself in the Parisian food scene by adventuring at a local supermarket? You can purchase some goodies and have a picnic at Champ de Mars with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Even though Paris is known for its food, it doesn't mean every item you see in a supermarket meets high qualities of flavor.
Off to a French bakery
When you head to your local Parisian supermarket to stock up on food, don't buy bread. You will quickly find that quality won't be the same compared to freshly-baked bread. Instead, visit a local French bakery (called Boulangerie) for some lovely loaves.
French bakeries make a variety of loaves of bread, including baguettes, croissants, Pain de Campagne, Brioche, Ficelle, and Fougasse that you can enjoy. Pain de Campagne is a great choice if you wish to spread a preserve or Nutella, or try the Fougasse if you like more of a savory spread or cured meats.
Remember that bread is simply unbeatable in Paris with many options to try. No matter what you pick, whether a classic baguette, a flaky croissant, or a crunchy pain au chocolat, you won't be disappointed. Just remember to get it at a local Boulangerie, such as one of the Eric Kayser or Poilâne establishments instead of a supermarket.
Visit a cheese monger
The next food item in our list of foods you shouldn't buy in a Paris supermarket is cheese. France makes some of the finest cheeses in the world; nonetheless, Parisian cheese from a local supermarket may lack the texture and flavor compared to those of a local fromagerie or artisan.
It's preferable to seek out a cheese monger to help you discover all the choices available at a local fromagerie. For example, you can try Camembert, Brie de Meaux, Roquefort, Munster, goat cheese, or a Comté. Due to all the different flavors and textures, a cheese monger can help you select the right cheese based on your preference and even help you pair it with a bread and wine option.
You can find a variety of fromageries at the Rue des Martyrs in Paris, including Fromagerie Quatrehomme Martyrs, La Souris Gourmande, Beillevaire, and Fromager Chataigner. Pick one to visit (or better yet, all of them!) and enjoy some good cheese!
Head to a wine shop
With its vast array of vineyards, France is well-known for its excellent Champagne as well as its red and white wines. It won't be surprising to find an aisle full of wine options in a Paris supermarket. However, why buy at a local supermarket when you can find a sommelier to help you find the perfect bottle to suit your tastes?
Frédéric Vielcanet told Huffington Post that he recommends visiting La Cave des Abbesses in Paris for its wine options. You can even make it an experience and schedule a wine tasting to learn and taste the wines of the region.
Remember that if you want to make the most of your Parisian food experience, head to the specialty stores. If you won't have much time in Paris to check out the specialty stores, Vielcanet recommends heading to La Grande Épicerie de Paris to find these foods. You won't be disappointed!