Ever since I moved to Paris, we’ve had the very French idea to go ‘marketing’ on Sunday morning. Particularly the Marché d’Aligre in the 12th, one of the largest markets with the widest array of fresh produce. Our plan was to buy all of our fruits and vegetables for the week, fresh fish for an evening feast and perhaps even mingle with the locals. How enticing! In theory. Come Sunday we were so happy to have time to rest and enjoy a long and leisurely brunch at home, we simply never made it to the market, which closed at the absurdly early hour of 1:30pm. Exactly the time we were enjoying our second cup of coffee. (Fortunately, Marche des Enfants Rouge is just around the corner.)
Recently I was invited to join well reputed Context Paris for a Sunday morning market walk led by docent, foodie and writer Meg Zimbeck, who I was eager to meet, where else but at the Marché d’Aligre. (How did they know?) Finally a morning at the market with my Italian, and a guide!
It turned out to be a morning well worth sacrificing our Sunday ritual, even though the temperature made for quite a chilly stroll. We explored the length of the market, both indoor and out, tasted of delicacies I hadn’t dreamt of sampling so early on a Sunday, and ended the tour with a seasonal (and very savory) cheese tasting. Perfect.
My Italian and I left feeling both educated on the history of this part of our city and fully indulged in the tastes of France. An added bonus was sharing the tour with Raquel, a lovely travel consultant with a grand appetite for Paris.
How are we spending next Sunday? Marketing of course. Thanks for the inspiration Context & Meg!
how lovely! I really do need to sign up for one of Context’s tours – love that your Italian joins for the ride!
how lovely! Meg’s great, so I’m sure the tour was a treat. And, the Marche d’aligre is lots of fun – i like to go there and then stop into the baron rouge after for wine and cheese (or champagne and oysters in the right months)
Looking forward to an early afternoon champagne and oyster feast at Baron Rouge. Looks like a great post-marketing stop!
this is so lovely! I adore ‘marketing’–one of the best ways to spend a day!
xx
Putting marché on list! thanks chica!
Drool! Wish we had markets like that here. Enjoy your purchases!!!
Makes me want to go “to market, to market” right now! Fabulous.
ahhh to be 30 something … paris has taste beyong belief but they arent always easy to find
Food HEAVEN! The US farmers markets just can’t compete I don’t care what ANYONE says!
I have to agree with you! Eating in general is heaven in France 😉
lovely place, sending love to you this day too
So glad you had a nice experience on the market walk, Kasia (and your Italian ;)! Even a true parisienne can learn more about the colorful and fascinating facets of le marché!
Kasia:
Context is one of my favorite travel partners and Meg’s knowledge and passion for food were invaluable!!!!
It was so great meeting you and your Italian & I hope we can meet again soon in Paris (or FL whenever you come on holiday).
Hugs,
Raquel
Nice post! These photos are so enticing. I spent a little (not enough) time at the Place Maubert market in December. It was wonderful. I’d love to take a Context market walk.
Thanks! I recommend a Context market tour, you will discover all the secrets!
Ooh, my how fabulous! All that seafood, the veggies, cheese!!! my mouth is just drooling!! And those roses…magnificent!! If only my days could be filled with visiting markets like that…le sigh… 🙂
Ah yes, lucky are we who go marketing in Paris. Bring your appetite and join us!
My mother is coming to visit in a few weeks and I think she’ll love a market visit like this. Thanks so much for the idea!
Oh yes, take your mum! It’s a wonderful Sunday ‘family’ event 😉
I too usually don’t make it to the market in time, and mine is just outside my door! Your market tour sounds like it was so much fun, and now I want to check out the Marché d’Aligre! I haven’t been yet. Love your blog BTW, and your bags! Super cute! I might have to buy one soon!