To that effect, Paris is widely considered a top destination for gastronomes from around the world. From flaky croissants to classic bistro fare, Paris continues receiving accolades for its food products, which undoubtedly form a cornerstone of the French way of life. Knowing the city's long history of excellence in the culinary arts, it begs the question: what's the secret? Exceptional fresh produce. On our 2.5 hour tour, we'll explore the source of France's gastronomic feats by walking Paris markets in the company of one of our culinary experts—a chef, cookbook author, food journalist, or Parisian epicure— who will place the spotlight on Paris' food philosophy and facilitate ample tastings. 

• A visit to a neighborhood Parisian market with tastings.
• Small groups—no more than six people per walk.
• Led by a professional chef, sommelier, or food writer. 

Where Parisians Shop

We'll start early, arriving to see the Marché d'Aligre bustling with activity. Just like every French town, each Parisian district has its own weekly, bi-weekly, or quasi-daily market. Often overlooked by tourists and much coveted by locals, the Marché d'Aligre boasts an array of items from Les fleurs to Les fruits, with just about everything in between. With a long history of serving its quartier—the market was inaugurated in 1781— some even consider it le Second Ventre de Paris (Second Belly of Paris). Our docent will guide us through the maze of stalls, identifying seasonal produce. As we explore, our discussion will touch on a variety of themes such as how the market functions, food provenance and the concept of terroir (the character of the soil), or how Parisians shop for their food and the impact of this on the French diet and gastronomic philosophy.

Tantalize Your Palate

On our stroll, we will also select some wares to sample together as a group. Taking in row upon row of artfully arranged fruits and vegetables, we'll admire this particularly elegant approach to food. Bouquets of radishes, ruffles of succulent butter lettuce, and baskets golden Chanterelle mushrooms draw our attention to the intrinsic beauty of our produce. We may also pay a visit to a fromager's stall to view the delectable wares on display, such as artisan raw-milk cheeses so special they're unavailable anywhere else in the world or take in charcuterie, homemade paté, and foie gras at the Boucherie stand. We'll spend some time with the lively vegetable vendors from France and North Africa, pick through the displays of Atlantic and Mediterranean seafood, or even taste some mouthwatering olives from Provence or Italy.