La Grande Epicerie de Paris is the best store for gastronomy in Paris. Whether you are staying in a hotel, a Bed & Breakfast or a self catering, do not miss a visit to the Grande Epicerie for a gourmet shopping. It is located on the left bank in the prestigious 7th arrondissement near Sèvres Babylone and is the food store of Le Bon Marché, the smartest department store in Paris.
Even if you do not buy anything (which will be difficult as everything there is a temptation !) you will be delighted by your visit and get out with stars in your eyes.
The wine cellar
On the basement the wine cellar is held by the best oenologists in Paris. They offer a wide and remarkable selection of wines from all the wine regions of France but also from the whole world, and at various prices. No need to be rich : many good bottles under 20€ are displayed as the guideline is the value for money. I love this place, firstly because it is beautiful, and secondly because their wine experts enjoy giving a lot of advises about how to preserve, to serve and to taste the different wines that you have bought.
Not only the wines are celebrated in the Grande Epicerie but also the whiskies, the beers at the Brasserie, … and even the mineral waters !
Enough drinks, let’s eat !
The FRuit and Vegetables truck
On the groundfloor in the middle of the store stands the Fruit & Vegetables department. The way the products are displayed there is amazing : a grey Citroën pick-up which seems to come directly from the market gardener stands in the middle of the department, full of citrus fruits, of tomatoes and peppers, and many other vegetables. Around it wooden sets of shelves are full of fruit and vegetables. I have counted for instance at least 15 different varieties of apples !
THE FRENCH Gastronomy corners
The Poissonnerie, the Boucherie, the Fromagerie, the Charcuterie, the Rotisserie, the Crèmerie, the Boulangerie, … Every department displays the best products : assorted cheeses, top quality meats and fishes, appetizing hams and sausages, nice-smelling breads, fresh pastas, … One would like to taste, buy and eat everything.
In the Grande Epicerie de Paris you will also find fine food products : all the famous prestigious brands (as Fauchon, Hediard, Angelina and many others) but also less famous but traditionally-made French local products : olive oils, salts, jams, biscuits, …
As a Parisian I also like to go the Grande Epicerie to buy food from the whole world : thousand island dresssing or Oreo peanut butter, curry paste, Italian pesto or arrabiata sauce, walker scottish butter cookies, … Indeed food from India, Great Britain, Italy, Tex Mex, USA, Asia, Spain, Lebanon, Marocco and Greece is also on sale there.
And for those who do not want to cook the Grande Epicerie offers a delicatessen department with appetizing meals to take away and several restaurants including a fish restaurant called La Marée where to eat. I have not tried any of them as I like cooking but if the food is as good as it looks like, I am sure that you will have a delicious meal. Bon appétit !
Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr
Practical information : www.lagrandeepicerie.com