I didn’t grow up shopping at farmer’s markets or trawling for treasures at nearby antique or flea markets but quickly discovered their virtues when I moved to Paris. Attractions in their own right, the city’s markets give visitors a firsthand look at daily French life and bring them closer to locals and artisans. Even better, they‘re everywhere, spanning across town and past city limits. I haven’t visited all of them yet – have to save something for when friends visit- but I know precisely where to turn when I want a comprehensive list and some historical context to go with it.
Author Marjorie Williams is a wellspring of knowledge when it comes to the market presence in Paris, having co-authored the second edition of the recently-published Markets of Paris. The smartly designed pocket guide is thorough, complete with practical information (hours of operation, closest metro station, etc) and packed to the gills with fantastic photos to guide the reader. I can’t recommend this book enough to those traveling to Paris and particularly those with a profound appreciation for market culture.
I’m honored to welcome Marjorie to this series!
Describe what you love about France in three words. Markets, Markets, Markets
Hard to…