In this 2.5-hour Paris market tour with a local chef or food writer, we'll dive into the Marché d'Aligre, a typical neighborhood market a bit off of the tourist path. We'll spend time with the vendors, learn about the provenance of fresh foods and how to judge cheese and pastries, and nibble our way through ample samples, partaking of local delicacies in a city where food is fundamental.

We'll start early, arriving to see the Marché d'Aligre bustling with activity. Often overlooked by tourists and much coveted by locals, this market boasts an array of items from les fleurs to les fruits, with just about everything in between. With a long history of serving its quartier—the Marché d'Aligre was inaugurated in 1781—some even consider it le Second Ventre de Paris. Our culinary expert will guide us through the maze of stalls, identifying seasonal produce and discussing issues like food provenance and the concept of terroir (the character of the soil).

On our stroll, we will also select some provisions to sample together as a group. Taking in row upon row of artfully arranged fruits and vegetables, we'll admire this particularly elegant approach to food. We may also pay a visit to a fromager's stall to view the delectable wares on display, such as artisan raw-milk cheeses so special they're unavailable anywhere else in the world or take in charcuterie and homemade paté at the boucherie stand. We'll spend some time with the lively vegetable vendors from France and North Africa, pick through the displays of Atlantic and Mediterranean seafood, or even taste some mouthwatering olives from Provence or Italy. After some time in the market, we may also visit some of the specialty food stores or historic cafes in the neighborhood. As our walk comes to a close, we will leave with an understanding of the role the market plays in Parisian life, as well as an ability to navigate le marché.

Note: we also offer a Paris Food Tour on the left bank that focuses more heavily on French traditions and specialty food shops.

For those interested in how Paris has become a melting pot of different cultures we strongly recommend our Immigration in France Tour.

Please note any food allergies or intolerances in the Notes box when booking.

Whether you already have something in mind or would like to craft something entirely new, our dedicated planning specialists are on hand to help you develop a tour that will be just right for you. Context planners, all travelers in their own right and experts in their dedicated territory, will partner with you to create an itinerary suited exactly to your needs and schedule.

Can I participate in your small group food walks if I have food allergies? Yes. If you have any specific allergies/intolerances please indicate these in the Travel Notes section when your booking and your guide will do his or her best to accommodate. If you are booking privately, we can customize a route that will avoid such items, something that we cannot fully do on our small group walks.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Marché d'Aligre is fully accessible. Please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise. We are also happy to design a private, customized tour for visitors with mobility concerns.