One Sassy, Food-Loving Traveler’s Guide to Montmartre, Paris

If you’ve ever even thought about going to Paris, I’m guessing you know that the city is all about food. From the fresh, seasonal produce of the weekly markets to the fancy establishments where you can indulge in some foi gras. This is probably part of the reason I love Paris so much.

The first time I visited Paris, it was a whirlwind five days. This time, I had nearly six weeks to relax, stroll the cobbled streets of Montmartre, and delight my tastebuds utterly with everything from the simple (fresh gingerbread) to the traditional (raclette) to the extravagant (artichoke tart with fried egg).

And because so many of you asked for more details and addresses in my survey this month, here are a few of my favorite places to eat, drink, and browse for things to eat or drink:

Le Pain Quotidian
This charming cafe on Rue Lepic has free WIFI, good coffee, and a decidedly international crowd (I’ve heard English, Italian, French, and one or two languages I didn’t recognize). Of the handful of cafes I spent my time in, I think this might just be my favorite.

Montmartre farmer’s market
Located at Metro Anver, the little farmer’s market runs every Friday from around 1:30 to around 7, depending on weather and supplies. This is the little market where I found my fresh gingerbread and strawberries (seen above), which served as an amazing breakfast and dessert. Everything I bought there was perfect and wonderful.

La Chambre Aux Confitures
This shop might just be my official favorite spot in Paris. I mean…fruit jams, flower jams, chocolate jams, honey, and jams for cheese and foi gras. How could I possibly not be in love with this beautiful little store?

Phillipe Excoffier
Okay, so this one isn’t in Montmartre, but it’s worth every second of the twenty minute metro ride. After all, it’s owned by the former chef of the American Ambassador to Paris; it’s renowned for its foi gras (which I, sadly, did not get the chance to try on this trip); and it’s a five minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Yeah. You’re welcome.

La Bascule
The drinks are fun, the tapas delicious, and the waiters handsome. This is where we, very appropriately, spent a girls’ night out. (Sorry, no food photos here.)

Pretty much any boulanger
I have yet to find a boulanger I didn’t want to propose to. Just sayin’.

(But if you want the absolute best baguettes, my favorite is the little red shop on Rue Clignancourt right across from Rue Christiani.)

Going to Paris this year? In my new, unconventional Paris guide, 10 chefs, wine experts, culture lovers, and locals will give you the inside scoop on where to go, what to eat, and how to fit in. Buy it now.