Favorite Food(IE) Shops

L’Epicerie Générale (43 rue de Verneuil, 7th arrondissement) is a charming left bank shop that specializes in “le beau et le bio Français.” With a selection of artisanal items from regions all over France, this shop assures quality, locally sourced products. Pick up a jar of honey from Provence to prepare Mushroom Risotto with Honey Roasted Figs or choose a French-made olive oil to make homemade Vinaigrette. The boutique also features French rice and other dried goods as well as its very own signature candles, which make unique gifts.

The friendly staff at La Boutique des Saveurs (34 rue des Petits Carreaux, 2nd arrondissement) is happy to help you make a selection from their carefully curated range of products, all of which are sourced from France’s natural parks. Produced using traditional and artisanal methods, the French specialties (conserves, vinegars, mustards, spices) on offer are true expressions of French terroir and the gastronomic tradition that the country is famous for. While there, grab some Dijon mustard for a Tangy Tomato Mustard Tart or a selection of dried herbs to make Five Herb Baked Tomatoes.

The most recent outpost of local favorite and ingredient-focused restaurant Le Verre Volé is L’Epicerie du Verre Volé (54 rue de la Folie Méricourt, 11th arrondissement), which continues in the tradition of sourcing exceptional ingredients. The small shop is equipped with a deli counter that sells charcuterie, cheeses, and a constantly changing spread of sandwich options. A great spot to stock up for a picnic, you can also find a selection of French-made products here. Choose from the infused vinegars that you can use to experiment with new spins on classic salad dressings. The shop also has a wide range of dried goods, including beans, pasta, and French lentils.

The local-minded and quality-conscious corner store Causses (55 rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 9th arrondissement) stocks fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables (with a selection of Île-de-France–grown items) along with French specialty ingredients and products including charcuterie, cheese, conserves, and candies. Artisan alcohols are also on offer, with a selection of ciders to accompany your Apple Cider Steamed Mussels and liquors that can be used when mixing up a round of Kirs. For lunch, check out La Fabrique next door, where a meal can be enjoyed on site or to-go.

The rue du Nil, a street which is quickly becoming the site of locavore pilgrimages, is home to Terroirs d’Avenir (7 rue du Nil, 2nd arrondissement), an innovative enterprise comprised of three boutiques—a butcher, fishmonger, and general store—all offering high-quality ingredients from the finest producers. At the butcher you will find the vrai jambon de Paris for your “Prince of Paris” Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Cross the street and mingle with local chefs and conscientious shoppers at the general store, which sells fresh vegetables along with a superb selection of natural wines and fancy pantry items including pastas, herbs, spices, and conserves.

La Recolte (18 Boulevard des Batignolles, 17th arrondissement) is a great place to stop after doing a tour of Marché Biologique des Batignolles. Here you will find seasonal produce, specialty products, and nonperishables, all with a story. The shop proudly shares the origins of their products by posting biographies of the people behind your peaches and Fish Soup. Mathieu Mulliez, the engaged owner of this shop, is committed to bringing the best French products to the customer, including a lovely selection of infused oils and vinegars, beers, and locally milled flours. The constantly changing selection of fruits and vegetables is exciting and of excellent quality, and can be enjoyed on site in the shop’s fresh pressed juices.

In addition to these independent boutiques, Paris also has a variety of more traditional grocery stores that offer organic produce. Subsidiaries of larger grocery chains—like Naturalia, which is owned by supermarché giant Monoprix, and Bio C’ Bon—are springing up around the city, offering organic options in a supermarket setting. These stores may be ubiquitous and convenient to shop at, but they are less engaged in supporting local farmers and small-scale farms. If you want to avoid giving your money to corporations who are riding the organic wave, there are several alternatives that are fun to discover and explore.