Rue Cler

One of the best gourmet shopping markets (marchés) in Paris is on Rue Cler, the same area Julia Child shopped when she lived in Paris in the early 1950s. What is interesting about Rue Cler is that many of the same shops Julia favored and frequented are still in operation today. The added advantage of Rue Cler is that it is a pedestrian shopping area, so you can stroll peacefully from store to store.

One of my favorite stores is Jeusselin, which specializes in foie gras, and has been in business since 1929. You can purchase fresh foie gras for cooking as well as foie gras that is ready to spread on toast or crackers. You can also buy takeout for lunch. Options include sausages, cured meats, salads, cooked salmon, and other specialties such as beef bourguignon or blanquette de veau (depending upon availability).

Two of France’s great cheese shops, La Fromagerie and Marie-Anne Cantin (around the corner on Rue du Champs de Mars) are also located here, as are various restaurants, including the popular Tribeca and Café Central. You can buy wine at Nicolas, or buy specialty epicerie items (including tea, spices, top quality jarred tuna, olive oils and vinegars, etc.) at L’Epicerie Fine (also around the corner on Rue du Champs de Mars). Finally, if you want dessert there is a terrific gelato place with fruit, chocolate and other rich gelati at Amorino.

Don’t forget to browse through the selection of fresh fruit and vegetables displayed at the many produce stands that line the street. If you want freshly shucked oysters, one of the best poissonneries is on Rue Cler, and you can also find live lobsters and fresh scallops still in the shell.

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