Forbes July 26, 2024
Lifestyle
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without indulging in France’s most iconic culinary delights, from buttery croissants to fine cheeses and wine.
But even the most savvy gourmands may be overwhelmed by City of Light’s dizzying amount of boulangeries, bistros and fromageries—which is where a seasoned local guide comes in. The best food tours in Paris are led by culinary connoisseurs who know where to find the freshest baguettes, oysters, macarons and more.
For those looking to taste both traditional and innovative dishes, we recommend the Paris Ultimate Food Tour in the lively Marais district. Wine and cheese lovers with a penchant for historical haunts (and hilltop views) should opt for the Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food And Wine Tasting Walking Tour. Meanwhile, those looking to escape the tourist crowds will likely enjoy the Paris Off The Beaten Path Belleville Tasting Food Tour. Below, the best food tours in Paris for 2024.
On this culinary adventure in the Marais neighborhood, you’ll experience a mix of classic French dishes, creative pastries and Jewish specialties that reflect the area’s historic and contemporary flair. With a local guide, you’ll visit eight eateries while listening to stories about the district’s rich culinary traditions and local landmarks like the Picasso Museum. Come hungry—the 11 tastings and two half-glasses of wine add up to a full lunch. With a maximum of 10 people on the tour and the flexibility to choose from mid-morning to early afternoon time slots, this experience is ideal for those looking for an intimate way to eat their way through Paris by day. Highlights include the chickpea crepes at Chez Alain Miam Miam, the Syrian-French pastries at Maison Aleph and the biodynamic wine at L'Etiquette. After the tour, take some time to explore the artisan boutiques and art galleries in the 3rd arrondissement.
The Montmartre neighborhood may be best known for its historic landmarks like the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur Basilica, but it's also home to a rich culinary heritage. This cobblestoned arts district brims with terraces and bistros where locals gather to savor great wine and gourmet cheeses. On this history-meets-gastronomy walking food tour, you’ll sample ten delicacies—from cured meats to handmade chocolates—while following in the footsteps of the area’s former iconic residents (Picasso included). You’ll want to wear your most comfortable shoes—this tour has quite a bit of walking and stair-climbing—but you’ll be rewarded with plenty of tasty morsels to keep you going. Your knowledgeable guide will escort you and the rest of the small group to some of the city’s most fascinating places, such as Clos des Vignes, the only vineyard in Paris.
If your ideal food tour in Paris includes sampling decadent chocolate mousse, macarons and hot chocolate, you’ll love this sweet guided stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The chic neighborhood is famed for its chocolatiers, and this walking tour stops at 10 shops and bakeries to give you insight into its decadent history. Watch tutorials as you savor French classics such as éclairs, macarons and truffles. A great option for chocolate lovers of all ages, each tour is limited to a maximum of eight people, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide (a chocolate connoisseur) and the shop owners all your questions. In addition to chocolate, the tour includes stops at gourmet shops famed for their jams and spices, where you can take home a few delicious souvenirs.
Operating in more than 60 locations worldwide with stellar reviews, Secret Food Tours is a go-to for travelers looking to connect with the city’s most respected local guides. The well-established brand also has an outpost in Paris offering tours of the city’s most beloved districts. On this family-friendly walking food tour, participants can choose to explore either the Montmartre or Notre Dame neighborhoods, with stops at up to six locations to sample local delights like savory tarts, wine, cheeses, oysters and pastries kids will love. The animated guides keep participants of all ages entertained and will happily accommodate picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions and allergies. On the Notre Dame food tour, you’ll discover hidden gems near Pont Marie, from excellent viennoiseries to traditional galettes. On the Montmartre food tour, the experience includes mouth-watering crepes, handmade chocolates and cured meats. Both tours end with a sit-down tasting, where you and up to 11 others will enjoy a feast of cheeses, charcuterie, breads, wines and more in a “secret” private dining room.
For travelers with limited time and a big appetite, this food-focused bike tour is one of the best ways to discover the city’s local markets. You’ll meet your local guide, Rachel, at Le Peloton Café to get set up with your bike and enjoy a coffee and brioche before cycling to Marché Maubert, a vibrant street market in the Latin Quarter. From there, you’ll continue your ride down the small streets on île Saint-Louis and along the Seine River toward Marché d'Aligre, a massive food market stuffed with stalls offering cheese, cured meats, fruit, wine and more. The fun continues at Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in the city, where you’ll continue sampling ingredients (and assembling the ultimate Parisian picnic if the weather permits). Finally, pedal through Le Marais and pass the famous Place de la Bastille where the revolution started. By the end of the day, you’ll likely have a few new friends and an appreciation for Paris’s markets and many bike lanes.
With its quaint cobblestone streets, classic bistros with chalkboard menus, and gourmet shops, Paris’s Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement oozes old-world charm. It’s the perfect place for a lesson in sampling the finest French cheeses, baguettes and charcuterie—all of which are included in generous doses on this epicurean extravaganza. Over the course of three hours, your guide will lead you on a journey through the typical French foodie’s stomping groups: a local fromagerie, boulangerie, butcher shop, fish market and wine store, all of which offer copious samples of regional products such as French cured sausage and oysters. Cap off the feast at a local bar, where you and up to 11 others in the group will sample excellent French wine paired with local cheese and good conversation.
Set in Ô Chateau, one of Paris’s best wine bars near the Louvre Museum, this master class led by a sommelier will give you a newfound respect for France’s viticultural traditions. The renovated cellar boasts more than 1,000 wines, including 50 offered by the glass, and makes for an inspiring atmosphere for tastings and enological workshops. Each two-hour session includes a tasting of six wines from various regions, from Bordeaux to Champagne. Your sommelier will cover concepts such as terroir, how to properly taste wine, and what to look for when reading labels. While the tasting includes French bread, it’s worth upgrading to a plate of cheese and charcuterie for something more substantial to snack on while you sip. You’ll walk away with the knowledge to confidently select the best French wines for the rest of your trip—and possibly a few purchased bottles to take home.
On the eastern edge of Paris, the trendy neighborhood of Belleville was once its own village surrounded by farmland that grew many of the fruits and vegetables that supplied Paris's kitchens. Today, the up-and-coming 19th and 20th arrondissements are destinations for locals and travelers seeking the city’s hippest restaurants, bars and bakeries. For travelers who have already explored Paris’s most popular neighborhoods, this under-the-radar food tour showcases a different side to the city. With a local guide and up to five other participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized introduction to the street art-filled district as you meet the bakers and artisans behind several locally treasured spots. Along the way, sample chocolate, charcuterie and wine and cheese pairings. Like Montmartre, Belleville is located on a hill, so you can look forward to stunning views throughout the tour—including impressive vistas from Belleville Park as you enjoy a picturesque Parisian picnic.
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