Rue Cler is a gastronomic destination for those of you wanting to discover the truly French way one goes about food shopping. Literally in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement, this street is filled with the small, family owned shops one would expect to find in Paris. In typical French fashion, it is also home to several popular cafés that allow shoppers to sit, have an aperitif, people watch and be watched before heading home with ... dinner.
Every day is busy along this mostly pedestrian street as over the years, tourists have discovered it and made it a "destination". However, on Saturdays and Sundays it literally explodes with people as the locals come to connect with friends for a coffee or glass of wine and eventually do their food shopping. Here you can find cheeses, arguably the best in the city at Marie Catin, wine selections with expert recommendations at Bacchus, some of the finest cuts of meat at Boucherie Roger, fish at Poissonnerie La Sablaise and a fantastic selection of spices from all over the world at L'Epicerie Fine. They have great things to take home for friends and family expecting gifts from your trip to Paris!
The cafés and restaurants, while perhaps not on any one's top 10 places to eat, offer good meals and always a wonderful glass of wine. The one exception and my favorite, is Le Petit Cler, a tiny, tiny café, the little sister to another local favorite, La Fontaine de Mars, which does serve up some delicious food. Try their foie gras paired with a glass of their sweet Jurancon or the roasted Saint Marcellin (from neighboring Marie Catin). Menu items not to be missed.
I really love having relationships with store owners and always make a point to shop at these small, intimate places as opposed to the major chains...and yes, Paris has them. Admittedly, I am here every week to pick up flowers for my apartment at Cler Fleurs. They see me coming and have beautiful selections waiting for me to pick from.
Whether you're staying in a hotel room or vacation apartment rental, pick up a bunch to fill your space with fragrance and color that will always remind you of your visit the this amazing city.
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Hildi, this blog is already a treasure trove! When I finally make it to Europe, I'll certainly be combing through it obsessively to guide my travels. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Cler Fleurs was and still is my former boss's favorite place to shop for flowers. I remember one of my first assignments as her assistant was to learn how to pick out her favorite roses (white ones) and either get them done as a cadeau or for her personally. My husband even snapped a photo of her showing me specially how to find the right ones. Such a fuss over flowers!
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