The food scene in Paris has changed dramatically since 2006, when Markets of Paris was first published. Yes, the same markets are held in the same locales as always—literally, for centuries—but many have undergone a remarkable transformation led by a young generation of purveyors focused, even more than their predecessors, on local and organic (“ bio” ) produce. Markets of Paris, 2nd Edition revisits and updates the entire market scene in Paris, with 12 new entries and 10 new sidebars, including Virtual Markets and Market Streets, Markets Open on Sunday, Artisan Bakers, Getting Along in the Food Markets, Brocante Fairs, and more. One of them, Cooking in Paris, gives information about lessons and workshops offered in home kitchens, bakeries, restaurants, and even wine stores.
Updates focus on the most interesting vendors and most unique and enticing offerings to be found at each locale, including prepared food that can be eaten on the spot. In keeping with growing interest in knowing where food comes from, the authors include profiles and photos of farmers and other artisanal suppliers behind the best food stalls.
One of the biggest changes in the Paris market scene in recent years has been the spike of interest in organic, reflected in the popularity of the Raspail organic market. At one time a fringe offshoot of the regular Raspail market, this Sunday market has fully come into its own. It attracts a large and loyal clientele; of three organic markets in the city, it’s certainly the largest and most widely known. Often it’s referred to as “Le Marché Bio,” and many claim it’s the crème de la crème of all Paris’s markets.
Restaurant listings have been updated, too, with 15 new additions that have been chosen because of their new-generation chefs’ approach to fresh ingredients or their proximity to featured markets. A new section titled If You Have Limited Time directs the visitor to the most interesting markets near his or her accommodations. Another section, Practical Suggestions, addresses common questions such where to get local currency, which map of Paris is the best and most convenient, and business hours for different kinds of shops, stalls, and restaurants. Finally, the book has been reorganized by arrondissement to be more user friendly, and it has a brand-new look with all new photos and a refreshed, modernized design.
Dixon Long is a novelist based in Mill Valley, California. Before moving to the San Francisco Bay area in 1990, he was professor of Political Science and dean of Western Reserve College at Case Western Reserve University.
His account of sailing around the world with two friends, Westward Home, was published by Carpenter Reserve Printing Company in 1979. His first novel, Brothers, was published in 2001 by Creative Arts Book Company, Berkeley. He is the author of six novels, most recently, Connections and Sea of Troubles.
He has co-authored two guides to markets in France, Markets of Provence (HarperCollins, 1966) and Markets of Paris (The Little Bookroom, 2nd Edition 2013). His short stories have appeared in several small literary magazines. Part of novella, Weekend in the Luberon, was published in ZYZZYVA 76, Spring 2006.
I was glad to find this book and learn about the numerous market places in Paris. i am planning a trip and one of my favorite things to do is treasure hunt. This book has given me the framework to structure my stay and make sure I hit the types of markets that I believe I will enjoy the best. The format is done my areas of the city with restaurant recommendations to each area as well. Pleasurable, fast read that was very worthwhile.
As someone obsessed with public markets, on a journey to Paris, this tiny guide seemed essential. It is a fun collection of places to shop and represents a good variety, but calling it a book about "markets" is misleading. They write a lot about the great shopping streets of Paris as well, which certainly are something to behold. The pictures are pretty good too.
Friendly, informative prose that gives just enough historical detail to pique curiosity and interest. Beautiful photos that capture the color and charm of the products and locations. A small format that slips easily into a backpack, yet heft enough to not get lost among the souvenirs. I'll definitely be bringing it on my next trip to Paris!
Perfect little book for planning a trip to Paris. It has better information than what I have been able to find on the internet. It’s so much more than just market descriptions too. The authors provide tips on restaurants, wine, fine food grocery stores and historical sights. They even suggest itineraries to incorporate market perusing with other sight seeing. I love the size of the book as well, it’s the right size to pop into a purse or backpack.
Possibly brilliant but how do you know until you get there and see how accurate it is? I couldn't recommend it as a book to peruse while dreaming of future trips to Paris. It was tiny and I'm over 40. I just don't want to work that hard to read anything. My arms were exhausted from holding the book at just the right angle and distance from my head.