I just got back from a fantastic ten-day trip to Paris and Ghent, Belgium. I discovered all sorts of little treasures along the way to pass on to my clients.
First off, our group stayed in a beautiful apartment in the 7th arrondissement (district) of Paris. If you've never considered this type of accommodation, you should check out VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner). There are hundreds of options from big city condos and loft apartments to country villas and hideaway retreats around the world. We found that staying in an apartment allowed us to explore a quieter, authentic part of Paris. Also, since I was traveling in a group, renting an apartment allowed us to have a great common space and kitchen in which to gather in the late afternoon. We would go out for the day and then when we made our way home, we would stop at little neighborhood shops for a baguette, wine and cheese. Then we would talk about the day on the couch as we nibbled on appetizers and prepared to go out to dinner. This apartment was a great choice for this trip.
I've had several clients tell me that poking in epicurean shops is one of their favorite things to do when they travel. These kinds of shops are a great place to sample local treats and pick up some highly coveted gifts for friends and family. So on this trip to Paris, I focused on visiting some of the best the city has to offer. A few of my favorites included:
La Maison du Miel - A shop behind La Madeleine that has been selling all sorts of delicious honeys and honey products since 1887. I definitely loaded up on several jars of my all-time favorite flavor, lavender, for gifts. 9th arrondissement, 24 rue Vignon.
Mariage Freres - This elegant shop in the Marais, specializing in the "art of French tea," has been in business since 1854. I could smell their new "Happy Birthday" blend through the door. To me, this is the mark of a great gourmet shop. 4th arrondissement, 30 rue Bourg Tibourg.
La Cure Gourmande- This confectionery shop that started in the South of France makes delicious traditional cookies and chocolates. Their "chocolate olives" (chocolate-c0vered almonds painted to look like olives) are totally addictive! 6 shops around Paris. 4th arrondissement, 55 rue Saint Louis en l'ile.
A L'Olivier - The place in Paris to buy top quality olive oils and they have free tastings. Enough said. 4th arrondissement, 23 rue de Rivoli.
Dalloyau - This famous pastry shop goes all the way back to the Versailles court in 1682. Their specialties include Opera Cake (almond sponge cake with a coffee and chocolate icing) and macaroons. Run, don't walk to try their chocolate ganache macaroons! 8 shops around Paris. 7th arrondissement, 63, rue de Grenelle.
I also had a chance to sample some of Ghent's local fare, but it was more serendipitous. I came across this cart in the middle of one of the town squares overflowing with hundreds of these little purple triangles. When I asked the vendor what they were, he cheerfully replied, "These are the Noses of Ghent! They are only made in this city and with the freshest ingredients: strawberries, raspberries and violets." Violets? I thought. This will be interesting...then he offered me one. It tasted like a gumdrop, but with a liquid center. It was delicious! And it was served with such pride. I walked away with a couple of bags to bring home. It's these kind of unexpected discoveries that make travel so rewarding.
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