One of the best part of the trip is definitely the food markets.
On our first day, we wandered around and walked past a small local cobble-stone street with an open air market at the end of the street. This was the market for the local neighbourhood.
Along the street, there were all the local shops: fromagerie (cheese), pâtisserie, chocolatier, poissonerie (fish), boucherie (butcher), boulangerie (bakery), charcuterie (cold meat). There was no unpleasant, big supermarkets around this neighbourhood to spoil the character.
On our first day, we wandered around and walked past a small local cobble-stone street with an open air market at the end of the street. This was the market for the local neighbourhood.
Along the street, there were all the local shops: fromagerie (cheese), pâtisserie, chocolatier, poissonerie (fish), boucherie (butcher), boulangerie (bakery), charcuterie (cold meat). There was no unpleasant, big supermarkets around this neighbourhood to spoil the character.
The local butcher hanging the game meat for sale
Then, there were the lovely champignons!
Most people would know that I LOVE edible fungi. All kinds... (including truffles, of course!)
In the French markets, you will always find a stall that sells mushrooms! Here are what was in season when I visited Paris in Oct last year:
Trompette des Morts (Black Trumpets)
Chanterelle Jaunissante or Chanterelles Grise (I believe they are called yellowfoot chanterelle)
Girolle (Chanterelle)
Cèpe (Pocini)
Cèpes and me!!
The French loves their mushroom. Some people like to collect their own mushroom. But as you know, there are lots of poisonous varieties as well. In France, they have an unique solution to the problem: all you need to do is to take your booty to the nearest pharmacy (which is all over the place in Paris). In France, all pharmacists are required to study fungi taxonomy as part of the formal qualification. They are usually friendly enough to help you identify the findings for free. Isn't that great? :)
The next day, we wanted to repeat the market experience so we head out to the Marché de la Bastille, which is a much larger market. The market is still very traditional and the produce are generally very fresh.
Fishmonger selling fresh and smoked fish
Cooked prawns. These ones look fresh!
Cheese stall. Lots of blue cheese
Froglegs! The part of culinary culture that France shares with China
Yoghurt made the traditional way. It was delicious! Why don't the supermarket in London stock these?!
Trying to make a purchase at the fruit stall
Success! (despite not knowing the name of the fruit in French! haha)
I love how these eggs are laid out in the basket. I am so used to crates!
Here I was, lining up for mushrooms to take home!
A point to note: Prices tends to get better the further you are from Place Bastille. So if you are approaching the market from the Bastille metro station, hold your 'fire' until you are well into the market!
Highlight of the day: I was asking for directions on my way to the market (we approach the market from the local neighbourhood, instead of the touristy Bastille Place) and the guy responded to me in full-pace French. As our conversation develops in ENGLISH, I found out that he first thought I can speak fluent French because I didn't have any accent! hahaha. I will never forget the moment.
For more information:
Marché de la Bastille
Blvd Richard Lenoir between the streets Amelot and Saint-Sabin
Mº Bastille
Open Thu, 7 - 14:30 and Sun, 7 - 15
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