Themed Tours in Paris
Take away the Eiffel Tower, and what is Paris but food? Diet-defying, butter-rich, goose-slaying food. If your goal while in town is to spoil yourself at one of the city's best restaurants, stock up on pâté, or learn to make your own, here is a guide to the best du jour.
Start: Métro to Sèvres Babylone.
Poliâne
This legendary bakery is famous for a reason. So brave the queues, fight your way through, and behold the buttery apple tarts, melt-in-your-mouth croissants and round, organic loaves, miches, made the same way since the shop opened over 70 years ago! The pastries deliver inches to your waist the second you see them, but no matter — this is fuel for your day.
Where
8 rue du Cherche Midi, 6th.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 4548 4259
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 7:15am-8:15pm.
Métro
Sèvres Babylone.
Website
Christian Constant
Just a 5-minute walk from Poilâne, this chocolatier is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Test the limits of your willpower at the chocolate counter where row upon row of milk, dark and white chocolates, including some of the best ganaches (cream-filled chocolates) in Paris have caused even the most self-disciplined gourmand to crack. On a sunny day, opt for the delicious home-made ice-creams.
Where
37 rue Assas, 6th.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 5363 1515
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9.30am-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm. Closed two weeks in Aug.
Métro
Rennes or St-Placide
Marché Mouffetard
From Christian Constant, it's about a twenty-minute walk to this much photographed market, so you may wish to take the métro. As authentic French markets go, this is the most beautiful. Its multi-coloured wares are stacked on symmetrical stalls stretching down a steep, narrow street. Marketers compete for the most attractive stall, and you are the beneficiary of their work. Fresh baguettes, croissants, countless cheeses, sausage, fresh-roasted chicken, farm-fresh eggs… all are here in abundance. On a nice day, pick up the makings of a picnic lunch here, and then walk over to the Arènes de Lutèce (an old Roman amphitheatre converted into a public garden) (about a 10-15-min walk) and relax with a good book.
Time to spend
45 min
Where
The southern end of rue Mouffetard, 5th.
Opening Hours
Open most weekday & Sat mornings.
Métro
Cardinal Lemoine or Censier Daubenton.
E Dehillerin
Stock up on the latest French kitchen equipment at this foodie favourite. This functional warehouse shop is the business when it comes to cooking. It has been supplying fabulous knives and whisks to great chefs for more than a century. The pots and pans may not be cheap, but a Dehillerin sauté pan is forever.
Where
18 rue Coquilliére, 1st.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 4236 5313
Opening Hours
Mon 9am-12.30pm & 2pm-6pm; Tue-Sat 9am-6pm
Métro
Les Halles
Website
Ecole Ritz Escoffier
If you've booked ahead (and if you're a dedicated chef-wannabe, you have), head here for your own cooking class. Deep inside the world-famous Ritz hotel, this cooking school is one of the most respected in the city. It offers a range of classes and demonstrations for cooking fans of all levels. Students learn from talented chefs who take the time to explain everything patiently. Classes are taught in French and translated into English. Topics range from bisque-making and chocolate to foie gras.
Time to spend
1-4 hours
Where
38 rue Cambon, 1st.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 4316 3050
Opening Hours
Days and times vary according to the season so call to check. Book well in advance, as the most interesting classes fill up quickly.
Cost
Demonstrations from €45-€250
Métro
Opéra.
Website
Lavinia
There is no shortage of wine stores in Paris, and somehow all of them manage to be more interesting than wine stores back home. This is one of the largest in Europe with over 6000 references, spread over three large floors near place de la Madeleine. Stock up on excellent French wines, or spend some time in the tasting bar or lunch-only restaurant where wine is served at the same price as in the shop.
Where
3-5 bd. de la Madeleine, 1st.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 4297 2020
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm.
Métro
Madeleine.
Website
The Restaurant Plaza Athénée
Finally, book yourself in (months in advance) for a late dinner here. A quick stop at the hotel to dress up, and you're ready to throw yourself into the gastronomical embrace of Alain Ducasse, France's most acclaimed chef. Smart dress obligatory.
Where
25 ave de Montaigne, 8th.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 5367 6665
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 7.45pm-10.15pm, Thur-Fri 12.45pm-2.15pm
Métro
Métro Franklin Roosevelt or Alma Marceau.
Website
Brasserie Zimmer
If Athénée is a bit challenging for your credit card or your patience for rich cuisine, try this friendly, relaxed brasserie for excellent traditional French cuisine at moderate prices.
Where
1 place du Châtelet, 1st.
Telephone
+33 (0) 1 4236 7403
Opening Hours
Daily 8am-1am.
Métro
Châtelet or Hôtel de Ville.
Website
