Paris City GuidePractical InformationsShopping in Paris

Food Shopping

Having your own apartment means you will likely find yourself shopping for some basic food items at one point or another.  One of the first things you should know is that there are no all-in-one supermarkets within Paris.  Therefore, Parisians tend to visit small grocery chains for staple items and favor neighborhood markets or vendors for fresh meats, cheese, vegetables and, of course, bread.

What’s nearby?

Though immense supermarkets are unheard of, Paris’ grocery chain stores are plentiful, convenient and well-stocked.  There are three principle outlets: Monoprix, Franprix and Marche U.  There is sure to be one in your neighborhood and they are normally open from 9-9 pm, with some exceptions.  If you find yourself searching for an item beyond these hours, there is likely to be a small épicierie around the corner which will stay open until 1 or 2 am.  These small stores will have dry goods and a limited supply of fresh products.  Another option is to visit a local traiteur for pre-made dishes, meats, pastries and desserts.  One of our favorites is the chain Flo (or la Durée)  While definitely a more costly option than cooking at home, the quality in these stores is fantastic and you get what you pay for in terms of convenience.

Market streets and neighborhood vendors

Normally, fresh food vendors are all located on the same street within a particular neighborhood.  Each different vendor will have a selection of fresh basic products as well as some homemade specialities (fait à la maison).  Your local boulangerie will have fresh baked bread, pastries and desserts.  For dairy products and farm-fresh cheese from every region of France, visit a local formagerie.  A boucherie will have freshest cuts of meat and poultry available.  Finally, local produce vendors will have fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables year round.

There are several major market streets which are frequented by Parisians every day of the week except Monday normally.  One of the most popular on the right bank, rue Montorgueil, is closed to traffic which makes it a haven for food shoppers.  It is located just north of Les Halles and St-Eustache church in the 2^nd arrondissement.  Even if you don’t have shopping to do, this area is a great place to have a seat in a local café and experience the neighborhood culture for which Paris is famous.  Another right bank option is rue de Bretagne, just north of the Marais and near the Mairie of the 3^rd arrondissement.

In addition to these market streets, there are over 50 open-air market locations which rotate in and out of each neighborhood, once or twice a week and only in the morning.