When I'm in Paris

One of the undeniable advantages of renting an apartment in Paris is the ability to shop like a Parisian, preparing authentic meals in your very own kitchen.

Not only does this mean a significant cost savings over eating in restaurants for every meal, it means sampling the famous fresh produce from the French countryside, bread and baked goods from the local bakery, and more.

There are various supermarket chains offering a selection of typical French groceries. (Of course, they are only “typical” to Parisians. Chances are excellent these offerings, from food and beverages to cosmetics and sometimes even clothing, will be “all-new” and quite exciting for you!)

If you want to splurge, there’s an entire floor dedicated to gourmet food items at the famous Galeries Lafayette. But for a decidedly more “typical” grocery shopping experience, you may wish to opt for one of the more pedestrian outlets. Shopi is one of the more prevalent chains. But my personal favorite while in Paris is the Monoprix chain of stores.

Americans may think of Monoprix as Paris’ answer to the Target chain, although decidedly smaller in scale. Monoprix offers clothing, cosmetics and bath items in addition to a generally very delicious selection of food items. If you go to Monoprix, note that the grocery tends to be located on a separate floor from the cosmetics and food, so try another level if you don’t see it right away.

When it comes to buying items to eat at home, the Monoprix chain has a top-notch selection of cheeses, meats and fresh produce. The tomatoes here seem to burst with eye-popping shades of glossy red, and there are varieties of grapes that are difficult or impossible to come by in American stores. Both red and white have more than one representative here, and you’ll find them to be very flavorful indeed, with undertones beyond simply “sweet.”

In fact, one typical comment made by Parisians visiting other countries concerns what they feel to be decided lack of flavor in other produce-producing areas of the world. Once you’ve spent some time sampling what France has to offer, you may well be inclined to agree.

Some of the cheeses you’ll find here include the ever-popular camembert, as well as Roquefort cheese prepared with raw (unpasteurized) milk. It’s actually illegal to produce cheese in this fashion in the United States, so you may want to sample the Roquefort “a la francaise” once you’re in Paris. You’ll find it quite delicious, with flavors not found in its American counterpart.

Some of the baked goods and pastries in Paris will astound you. The millefeuille (literally “thousand sheets”) is a typical French pastry, sometimes called a “Napoleon” in the United States. (Note, however, that in France a “Napoleon” is specifically a millefeuille with almond paste.) You should definitely try one in France if you don’t already know this delicious treat. The ever-popular éclair is another sure bet, and you can find it in coffee flavor as well as chocolate or vanilla.

The joy of apartment living means getting bread from your local bakery each morning and having a relaxed breakfast at home. Croissants and chocolate croissants (“pain au chocolat”) are a delightful way to begin any day.

One recent item that’s been brought back to Parisian bakeries after many years is the “baguette tradition.” This more rustic version of the ever-popular “whitebread” baguette has made a resurgence in popularity. It’s made with a coarser, darker wheat for a more more “whole wheat” approach, often incorporating seeds and nuts, as well. The delicious loaves can also contain cubes of bacon, cheese, or even olives.

All this and more awaits you. When you decide to stay in Paris like a true Parisian, you’ll be amazed at the small ways your trip will become an experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.