La Grande Epicerie de Paris

The grand dame of Parisian markets since 1923, La Grande Epicerie is exactly as its name proclaims. Settled in the ground floor of Paris’s oldest department store, Le Bon Marché, in the heart of bobo 7th arrondissement (which comprises the mansions bordering the Eiffel Tower), its affluent and international clientele treat it as their neighborhood grocery store. This emporium of good taste with over 30,000 items has everything (and more) that you need to recreate Michelin-worthy dishes (including the cookbooks) – or pack the perfect picnic basket. “Product Experts” have traversed the world, returning with an encyclopedic mix of discoveries, from rare to comforting to kitsch – cult status foods that reflect the unique culture of its province. For example, American staples like Fruit Loops and Betty Crocker cake mix that may seem outright downmarket, but they are, nevertheless, nostalgically endearing images of childhood and cannot be purchased anywhere else in France. (Just be careful of the prices.)

Given that this is Paris – with high taste and high style – it does not need to import food that delights. Jean-Jacques Massé, awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), watches over the boucherie, fromagerie, boulangerie, and patisserie. Glass cases display, jewel-like, the gourmet offerings of the day.

La Grande Epicerie de Paris feels abundantly luxurious, with sleek countertops edged in black, foodstuffs displayed as treasures on rare wood shelves, and starched white uniforms of its staff. But don’t fret, besides being an educational, museum-like visit in itself, you’ll will always be able to find something deliciously suitable to your budget.