Just a few minutes’ walk from my apartment is the most incredible market, Marché d’Aligre. The market is a cornucopia with so many incredible fresh produce vendors. The rue d’Aligre is decked-out on both sides in an array of beautiful colors, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (except for Mondays, the only day they’re closed). There’s really no need for me to go to the grocery store.

I come here to buy my produce and depending on what I’m looking for I’ll stop at different vendors as I make my way down the street. Of course, I always end up with more than I intended as the vendors are quite friendly and convincing, always offering a free taste and a discount. How can I resist? After I get my produce, I also stop to get some olives and tapenade and then fresh cut flowers to brighten up my apartment.. 

Then I make my way down to where rue d’Aligre and place d’Aligre intersect and tuck inside the covered market. I head straight for Fromagerie Hardouin, my favorite fromagerie. I was even told by a local  friend that this is the best fromagerie. Of course, I knew that already. I come here mostly for their brillat-savarin aux truffes. Trust me when I tell you, this is the most ridiculously delicious cheese. Whenever we have guests coming over, this cheese is part of our welcome platter. I’ve yet to find anyone who doesn’t love it as much as I do. Well, almost as much. Of course, I am in France and I don’t limit myself to just one cheese. There’s usually some Roquefort and Comté added to the stash. 

After I buy my cheeses, I make my rounds through the covered market to see what else strikes my fancy.

On my way back home, if it’s a Sunday, I stop at the boucherie for a roasted chicken and potatoes. This is part of my assimilation into French culture. Plus the potatoes are delicious, having been roasted with all the drippings of the roasted chickens.