The Expat Guide to Grocery Shopping in Paris

Expatriation is quite a bewildering experience.
A great plunge into the unknown in so many areas.
After the allure of novelty and a few weeks of constant discovery, it quickly becomes important to find routines and comfort. Perhaps getting back to your favorite dishes will bring you that comfort. But how can you find that special ingredient to find the taste of home?

Paris is known for its world-class cuisine and culinary culture, but for expats living in the city, grocery shopping can be a daunting experience. With unfamiliar products, confusing label and different shopping customs, it can be difficult to navigate the grocery store aisles and find what you need.. The language barrier may prevent you from daring to go to the market or to a small shop, but it’s often where you’ll find the most choice and quality.

Where to shop for food in Paris?

Paris has a wide variety of grocery stores to choose from, ranging from small neighborhood markets to large chain stores. Some popular options for expats include:

• Monoprix/ Monop A popular chain of supermarkets that offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, and international foods.
• Carrefour/ CarrefourCity  One of the largest supermarket chains in France, Carrefour offers a wide selection of products at competitive prices.
• Picard A frozen food chain that is known for its high-quality products and convenience.
• Franprix: A smaller chain of supermarkets that offers a good selection of fresh produce and pre-packaged foods.
• Marché: Paris is known for its outdoor markets, which offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. These markets can be a great place to find local and seasonal products, and they offer a unique shopping experience.
• Organic shops: some chains have developped shops around Paris Naturallia, Bio C Bon, La Vie Claire, Biocoop, les Nouveaux Robinsons, Day by day:is a Zero waste grocery shop. Grand Appêtit is a vegetarian grocery shop,
• La Grande épicerie : one of the most famous Gourmet shop in Paris, A selection of high quality products not for all budgets, prices are quite high but you will find a wide variety of luxury products. 2 addresses in Paris : Rive Droite, rue de Passy, Rive Gauche Rue de Sèvres
• Lafayette Gourmet: another gourmet shop in the same spirtit as the Grande Epicerie.
  

  

PARISIAN STREET MARKETS

Paris is famous for its street markets, which offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. For expats living in the city, visiting the local markets can be a great way to experience French culture and find high-quality, affordable products. In this guide, we’ll provide some tips and advice for expats on how to shop at Parisian street markets.

 

Each arrondissement of PARIS has several markets per district and installed on different days of the week.
In general, the neighborhood markets are installed two days a week.

The city hall provides a list of all the markets

Types of Markets

Paris has a wide variety of street markets to choose from, ranging from small neighborhood markets to large weekly markets that attract vendors from all over the city. Some of the most popular types of markets include:

– Marché couvert: These are covered markets that offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. They are open year-round and offer a convenient shopping experience, rain or shine.
– Marché en plein air: These are outdoor markets that are held in public squares and other open spaces throughout the city. They offer a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and clothing.
– Marché bio: These are organic markets that offer a wide variety of organic produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. They are a great option for expats who are looking for high-quality, healthy products.

 

What to Buy?

At Parisian street markets, you can find a wide variety of fresh, high-quality products. Some of the most popular items include:

– Fresh produce Paris is known for its high-quality produce, so be sure to take advantage of the seasonal fruits and vegetables that are available. Look for vendors that offer a good selection of fresh, locally-grown produce.
– Cheese: France is famous for its cheese, and there are many different varieties to choose from. Look for vendors that offer a wide selection of cheeses, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.
– Meat: Parisian street markets offer a wide variety of fresh meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Look for vendors that offer high-quality, locally-sourced meats.
– Bred: Paris is also known for its delicious bred, so be sure to try a variety of baguettes, croissants, and other baked goods.
– Clothing and Accessories: Some street markets in Paris also offer clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. These can be a great way to find unique, affordable items.

 International food in Paris

Paris is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse range of cultures and cuisines. You can find a variety of international grocery stores and markets throughout the city, offering everything from Middle Eastern to Southeast Asian to African ingredients. Some popular options for international grocery shopping in Paris include:

– Rue des Rosiers Located in the historic Jewish quarter of the Marais, this street is home to a variety of Jewish restaurants and food markets.
– Chinatown Located in the 13th arrondissement, Paris’s Chinatown is home to a large Chinese community and a variety of Chinese restaurants and markets. Tang Frères: This chain of Asian supermarkets has several locations throughout the city and offers a wide variety of Asian groceries, including fresh produce, seafood, and spices.

– Looking for traditional Japanese food in Paris? Look to** Rue Sainte Anne, which runs through the first and second arrondissements, near the Opera District. With a high concentration of Japanese businesses, the street forms a Japanese haven in France’s capital city. Wander the street and sample the best of what the district has to offer, from tiny restaurants to grocery stores. Rue Saint Anne offers epicurean delights from Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia.
– Little India The neighborhood around Passage Brady in the 10th arrondissement is known as Little India and offers a variety of Indian restaurants and markets.
– Goutte d’Or: Located in the 18th arrondissement, this neighborhood is known for its North African markets and specialty food stores. You can find a variety of Middle Eastern and African ingredients here, including spices, olives, and preserved lemons.

Check this link to find the best addresses for Israel food in Paris.