I love produce markets in Paris, they are colorful, beautiful and exciting. They are not only a wonderful opportunity to buy farm fresh produce but a glimpse into the lives of real Parisians. A chance to see them in their element, observe how they shop, what they buy, and how they buy it. Most people shopping at this market seem to be regulars; they know the vendors, the product, and are quick and to the point. There are some who just browse, walk around to assess the inventory, but most know what they came here for and don't dilly dally too much. Tourists, like me, are easily spotted as well. We are the ones with the camera, walking slower than others, and having a look of amazement on our faces. There are produce markets in the U.S., however, they are not as beautiful as the French markets. That's just a sad truth.
This organic market of about 40 vendors is beautiful and lively. Raspail market is the perfect place to pick up a roasted chicken, cheese, veggies, fresh fruit, and some sweets for a wonderful picnic in the park or a hearty dinner in a hotel room or an apartment.
Once I am there, I usually first walk the entire length of the market first, decide what to come back for and do the whole trip one more time.
These eggplants were huge, I should have put my hand next to one to show the size. Oh, well.
I have to go back.
I think that with a good baguette in my hand, I could go to town on this pate. Maybe I would just add a good pickle, some onion, and a lemonade. That's it, that would be my dinner, or a snack.
I am happiest when buying fresh produce.
I fell in love with these eggs. I don't think I have ever gotten eggs this fresh, well maybe when I was a kid in Poland. I bought four of these beauties and the vendor placed them in a nice carton and stamped the expiration date on the inside. Wonderful!
The following morning, I made delicious scrambled eggs with Bordier butter, sliced some fresh cucumber and tomatoes, cut up a Gerard Mulot baguette, and enjoyed a lovely breakfast before heading out for the day.
How gorgeous is this wall of vegetables? It looks like such beautiful chaos. I once saw this at 1:30, closing time, and it was all picked over and sad looking.
I was heading for this lady. The plan was to buy a nice roasted chicken, some potatoes, veggies and fruit; that was going to be dinner. While in Paris we go out to eat, but occasionally, and especially on market days, we go out for lunch but eat dinner in the apartment. That is usually followed by a nice long walk along the river Seine.
I have never seen asparagus as tiny and adorable as this. My husband is not a fan of asparagus, so this one will just have to stay adorable at the market.
There are also some other items sold at the market like wooden boards, soaps, scarves, tablecloths, and hats.
The shawls and scarves were super soft and of very good quality.
The final stop is always at the potato pancake guy who is near the rue du Cherche Midi end of the market. This nice and jovial man makes delicious potato pancakes with onion and cheese. The grated potato is mixed with chopped onion and sprinkled with cheese once on the griddle. Each galette d'oignon, pomme de terre and fromage is 2.50 Euro.
He has a steady line throughout the day, we were one of the last people lucky enough to get one, some had to be turned away. He tends to run out of the batter after 1:15.
This pancake was heavenly, soft on the inside with a lovely touch of cheese and onion. Just delicious. Go, but not when I need to get one:)
Marche Raspail
From rue du Cherche Midi to rue de Rennes
Every Sunday 9-2:00
Joanna
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