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Cuisine, most aimiable of the arts

Markets, bread-making, a goat-cheese farm, restaurants, cooking lesson

 

Cuisine and appreciation for wine, like so much else in France, are arts that the Court stimulated. They are at the heart of French culture and are among the reasons why so many travelers visit.

 

We can take you to the world-known stores for gastronomy and make personalized arrangements at celebrated restaurants. Or we can concentrate on the produce and places that Parisians with discriminating palates select.

 

For groups, we suggest special events.

 

Please scroll down.

 

 

  • Markets are part of life in Paris

 

 
A royal feast in the 15th century
Open-air markets are among the most pleasant aspects of every-day France.

 

"Madame Georgette" has never gotten around to asking for a stand at an organic market.

She has sold her own farm produce in an inexpensive neighborhood market for 40 years.

 

Every morning (except Monday) neighborhood marchés take place. They can be expensive, inexpensive, can stretch out over a single street or many, be covered or open-air. They can be organic, raucous or simply picturesque.

 

Markets are an expression of the French capacity to make simple things beautiful.

 

We point our visitors toward those we think they'll enjoy most.

 

 

  • Visiting a "boulangerie" (bakery) takes us into the heart of everyday France

 

 

Neighborhood "boulangeries" are wonderful too.

 

Many bakeries still make bread themselves, but are unenthusiastic at the idea of visitors.

     

     

    •  How is cheese made?

     

     

     

    An exception nestles in "hometown Paris" (where Madame Georgette's market is as well). It is particularly memorable at chilly times of year, because it is warm and cozy. It always smells wonderful.
    Part of a wider visit: Please click on the link below.

     

    Chèvre frais, crottin, chevrotin (goat camembert), chèvre wrapped in a chestnut leaf so that the tannins will bring a fluid cheese...

     

    The farm is near the otherwise eye-opening town of Dreux, which is about an hour's drive south of Paris, much of it through bucolic countryside.

     
    • Wine tastings (for groups) – please CLICK

     

     

    • Restaurants whose style is unique and that we are glad to recommend
    This 19th-century landmark is totally Parisian.
    As well, it is inexpensive and very convivial.

     

    One example...

       

       

      • Cooking lesson...

       

       
      The blonde is the owner and chef.
      Visitor and excellent cook

       

      ...in a restaurant that is traditional, central and that that reflects the owner in an exceptionally personal way. A former actress turned chef, she expresses the refinement one associates with France.

       

      She shows visitors how to prepare the specialities that she'll recommend in her restaurant that night. Then they and she sit down to dinner, served with appropriate wines, before the clients arrive.

       

       

       

      • Costs, 1-5 visitors

       

      ° To guide, 190€ for half day (3-4 hours), 290€ for full day, 350€ for full day outside Paris (the goat-cheese farm and Dreux). 

       

      ° To PEF, 20% of guides' or specialists' fees, plus dues. Public transportation within Paris is included. Local fees (farm visit) are not included.

      ° For specialists' fees, please ask us.

       

      ° Fees change with more participants, but remain reasonable.

       

      ° Drivers ask 40-55€ per hour within Paris, from 50€ outside Paris. A set fee can often be negotiated.

       

       

       

      Credits: Fifteenth-century feast / "Les très riches heures du Duc de Berry", Condé Museum (Chantilly) ; photos / Claude Abron

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