With all my trips, geo discoveries, new places on my travel map and all the excitement around it, – briefly, with all the wanderlust, – I have noticed that I almost never write about Paris. Living in Paris, however, has been my lifelong dream and one of the best things that happened to me. Ever. I am grateful every day for calling it my city, walking its streets (or riding it with my white bicycle), tuning in to its noise and sleeping under its stars. So, to celebrate having spent two complete weeks here (largely devoted to visa applications), I am taking a geo detour to tell a little about my Paris.

Paris is many things to many people, and for me it’s the weekend food markets (among many other things). I don’t cook much but the beauty of these markets is that they don’t require a lot of cooking. You follow the golden rule of great meal: best ingredients. With the food markets, you do your shopping on one street and set yourself for a successful dinner (or lunch).

The closest market to me in the one on rue Poncelet. My first address in Paris (well, this time that I am living here) was just around the corner, at rue des Renaudes, and I used to come to rue Poncelet almost every day. Now I mostly come during the weekends, but every time it is a great experience, the one that makes living in Paris for me really precious. Food markets are extremely popular among locals, next door food stores are literally empty during the market working hours. Maybe because of that, markets become a center of civilization at the quartier, attracting many small restaurants, cafés and all sorts of shops and ateliers. The symphony of colors, perfumes and tastes wakes up all your senses and reminds that you are in Paris, it’s a beautiful day and life is the best tale ever told.

Walk with me to look around.

I was first lured to the street market by fruits. Despite their prime quality, gorgeous look and other superior qualities, market fruits are often cheaper than that in the usual food stores.

Fish is a different story: though supreme and all, it exceeds food store prices two times (at best). And yet, there is always a line.

And, of course, every self-respectful market in Paris has a bakery, an Italian deli, several wine boutiques and flower shops.

Are food markets big in your city?

🙂