72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
The great macaron debate may forever wage on, but from the first time I tucked into a small box of Pierre Hermé's diminutive cookies, perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, I knew I’d remain loyal to his interpretation. Perhaps best known for his unique flavors—foie gras and chocolate, lemon and fennel, vanilla and basil, among many others—it’s his Ispahan croissant, with rose almond paste and crushed raspberry flakes, that really keeps me going back.
29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île
There is no ice cream in the world like Berthillon’s. The mango ice cream tastes like frozen mangoes and the chocolate like frozen truffles. I particularly admire the fact that—in true French fashion—although it’s an ice cream store, it’s closed in August!
1 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris, France
Legrand Fille et Fils is a quintessentially old-Paris wine store; it’s well stocked, but not in the least bit pretentious. After a browse through their superb choice of wines, walk through the beautiful glass enclosed courtyard and check out their shop filled with wine glasses and accessories. The café is also wonderful.
18-20 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris, France
At first glance, this cookware emporium feels like a dusty relic. But dig a little deeper, especially in the basement, and you’ll find just about anything you could need for the kitchen, along with plenty of treasures you don’t—duck press, anyone?—but would love all the same. Knives, copper cookware, and ceramics are the selection’s biggest strengths.
37 Rue de Beaune, 75007 Paris, France
Madame Grateau designs the most amazing lines of dishes, glassware, and linens imaginable. She’s resisted the temptation to sell them internationally, so you have to visit the mecca in Paris. Her tableware is simple enough to use every day, but so elegant you’ll want it for company.
Rue de Bourgogne, 75007 Paris, France
Moulie is a stylish Parisian florist, and they grow many of the flowers themselves.
8 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France
Everyone wonders if Kayser is the next Poilâne. I say, they’re both extraordinary. I love the flute, a type of baguette that has lots of flavor.
51 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
Just walk into Barthélémy and breathe the air. The cheese smells so different from cheese in the United States—that’s how you’ll know you’re in Paris. I love this store. Be sure to ask for tastes; the service is as good as the selection.
8 Rue du Cherche-Midi
Poilâne bread is considered to be the best in Paris, and it’s my favorite place in the city. They’ll even FedEx their famous four-pound loaf to your door for only $35, including shipping. In my new book, there’s a Camembert-and-prosciutto tartine based on one from the restaurant next to Poilâne, which Jeffrey loves to eat.
32 Rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris, France
Although the prices are outrageous, the food here is beyond delicious. As Patricia Wells says, “people beg, cry, weep for a table.” It’s a wonderful place for special occasions.
76 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, France
This is an exquisite international takeout shop. Order salmon and foie gras for a party or get a sandwich and a pastry and go down the block to eat it in the Luxembourg Gardens. On a cold day, we like to sit on a bench near the orangerie, and in the summer, the lawn is gorgeous.
Paris, France
This was the market that made me want to live in Paris. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, bakers sell their own homemade breads and farmers have tables with their precious homegrown raspberries. Don’t miss the potato pancakes and the rotisserie chickens cooking at the entrance on rue du Cherche Midi.
30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris, France
If you like tea, then you must make a pilgrimage to Mariage Fréres, which has been open since 1854. They sell the most amazing teas (my favorites are Marco Polo and French Breakfast) along with teapots, cups, and tea paraphernalia. I recommend staying for a delicious pickmeup in their beautiful tearoom.
1 Rue du Mail
Chez Georges is perfect for traditional French food in an old fashioned setting. If you’re in the mood for herring and potatoes, beef bourguignon, and baba au rhum, this is the place.
20 Avenue de New York
The architect named this impressive restaurant after his cat. While the menu offers are modern and delicious, the nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower is worth the price of admission alone.
