Books & Inspiration

RANDOM HOUSE

$24.95

The food scene in Paris has changed dramatically since 2006, when Markets of Paris was first published. Yes, the same markets are held in the same locales as always—literally, for centuries—but many have undergone a remarkable transformation led by a young generation of purveyors focused, even more than their predecessors, on local and organic (“bio”) produce. Markets of Paris, 2nd Edition revisits and updates the entire market scene in Paris, with 12 new entries and 10 new sidebars, including Virtual Markets and Market Streets, Markets Open on Sunday, Artisan Bakers, Getting Along in the Food Markets, Brocante Fairs, and more. One of them, Cooking in Paris, gives information about lessons and workshops offered in home kitchens, bakeries, restaurants, and even wine stores. 
 
Updates focus on the most interesting vendors and most unique and enticing offerings to be found at each locale, including prepared food that can be eaten on the spot. In keeping with growing interest in knowing where food comes from, the authors include profiles and photos of farmers and other artisanal suppliers behind the best food stalls. 
 
One of the biggest changes in the Paris market scene in recent years has been the spike of interest in organic, reflected in the popularity of the Raspail organic market. At one time a fringe offshoot of the regular Raspail market, this Sunday market has fully come into its own. It attracts a large and loyal clientele; of three organic markets in the city, it’s certainly the largest and most widely known. Often it’s referred to as “Le Marché Bio,” and many claim it’s the crème de la crème of all Paris’s markets. 
 
Restaurant listings have been updated, too, with 15 new additions that have been chosen because of their new-generation chefs’ approach to fresh ingredients or their proximity to featured markets. A new section titled If You Have Limited Time directs the visitor to the most interesting markets near his or her accommodations. Another section, Practical Suggestions, addresses common questions such where to get local currency, which map of Paris is the best and most convenient, and business hours for different kinds of shops, stalls, and restaurants. Finally, the book has been reorganized by arrondissement to be more user friendly, and it has a brand-new look with all new photos and a refreshed, modernized design.

PRAISE

“Markets of Paris is going to be in my luggage on my next trip to Paris. It is the best book to use if you are a ‘foodie’ but are not a local. The foot work is done, so you can just pick and choose your interests, then take the Métro and enjoy the treasures of Paris. “— Marc Bauer, Master Chef, French Culinary Institute

“This is the book I wish I had had with me on my last visit to Paris. I’ll just have to return to Paris armed with this guide.  What a great lens to view this magnificent city through – plus I love the way it just slips into a pocket.” — Deborah Madison, author of Local Flavors and Seasonal Fruit Desserts 

“While most general travel guides list the major Parisian markets, like the famous Marché aux Fleurs and Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, this guide details all the markets in the city selling food, antiques, books, crafts, and more. Entries provide the standard information for all markets, such as location, days and hours of operation, and nearest Metro stop, as well as the authors’ recommendations and detailed descriptions of the articles offered for sale, including specialty items. For travelers with limited time, suggested itineraries list markets by geographic area and open days, which allows the reader to find, for example, a flea market on the Right Bank that is open on Mondays. . . . travelers wanting to experience Paris by strolling its markets with the locals will find this guide invaluable.” —Library Journal
 
“A wonderful book. . . . The book is more than a listing of where to locate open and roving markets—it helps you narrow down which ones are better, what personality each market has, and what you can expect to find at your favorite.” —BonjourParis
 
“You can find pretty much anything you want in the markets of Paris: old letters, dead bears, live chickens. The only problem is that you’d have to roam around hours and hours to find them. The newly released book by Markets of Paris is a vade mecum for any focused Parisian shopper. A pocket sized book with hundreds of listing, the book will save you hours of searching for obscure curios. . . . the book is priceless.” —Gridskipper
 
“This is the perfect book format for toting around Paris. . .Markets of Parisdescribes in thoughtful prose a variety of Paris markets, focusing primarily on the 65 outdoor food markets that are an essential part of the Paris landscape. . . .But, for me, what really sets this book apart is the careful prose. Time is taken to capture the essence of how one market’s aura can differ from any other in Paris…There’s just enough here to whet your appetite, get you into the Metro, or putting on your walking shoes to explore neighborhoods that may have escaped your attention.” —ParisLogue
 
“There’s shopping, and then there’s shopping in Paris. For those fortunate enough to have the problem of finding the best Parisian goods, be it cheese, clothing, botanical prints or porcelain, there’s Markets of Paris.” —Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
 
“Markets of Paris catalogs every market in the city, from the fresh meat and produce stalls of the open-air Marche Barbes to the quaint fabric vendors of the Marche Saint-Pierre. It’s a perfect guide to a quintessentially romantic feature of the city that’s often difficult for visitors to navigate.” —Culture & Travel

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