Markets of Paris

Book excerpt: The only complete guide to every street market and market district in Paris, with beautiful full color photographs throughout Perhaps the most pleasurable way for any visitor to feel at home in Paris–and one of the easiest ways to get to know the city–is to meander through any of its dozens of street markets. It's also the best way to find a wide variety of uniquely French gifts–from antique books and botanical prints to flea market finds and household goods–not to mention legendary cheeses, produce, and bounty of the French countryside. The authors have explored and described every market in every neighborhood. They also have included streets that are devoted to selling one type of thing–from the centuries-old booksellers along the Seine to those lined with stores selling items as varied as fabric and discounted designer clothing. And, for everyone who feels their time in the city is all too short, they have suggested itineraries based on the opening days of the markets with local restaurant recommendations. Also included are tips, translations of important phrases, and pointers on what to look for so that the visitor will be able to make the most of this exhilarating and fun French experience. All the market information is supplemented by sidebars that round out the experience, including a listing of favorite wine bars, a visit to the wood oven in the cellar of the famous bakery Poilane, and strolls down the best shopping streets in Paris.