My 8YO son is interested in French food, especially French cheese. I'd be interested in hiring a guide to take us to some markets and give my son an introductory tour of cheese and French food. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
I don't know if they will take children, but check Paris by Mouth and La Cuisine
Posted by
English but living in Melbourne, Australia
432 posts
Assuming you want this in Paris: have a look at what Cook with Class offers - gourmet food tour, French market shopping & cooking, children's classes, cheese & wine pairing.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
Markets are very busy places, and the vendors are hard-pressed to sell as much as they can before the market closes.
But you don't need a guide to go take a look around an outdoor market. Vendors typically give samples of fruit to everybody, and you can buy whatever else you like along the way - including prepared food like crepes, roasted chickens, breads, etc.
I'd suggest looking around for a large cheese shop - Androuet is good, and they give samples. The salespeople here might have time to spend with someone who's interested in cheese, but I'd go when the shop isn't busy.
You can order little cheese trays to go, if you want to take them home and enjoy and explain them to your son. This might be the best way to go.
Otherwise, I'd go to a large Monoprix with a good cheese counter and buy things you think your son will like.
There are more than 400 cheeses that are produced in France, so impossible for any store to carry all or most of them.
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1930 posts
We had a wonderful private free tour ( donations accepted) with Paris Greeters. They offer locals to show you around in any areas of interest you may have. We asked for a gastronomic tour and had a wonderful time. We went to markets, wine shop, bakery, cheese shop ( we're there for maybe an hour and shown how they age the cheeses) it was amazing and a highlight of our trip. We bought food from each place and ended up in a park having a picnic with our local Parisian!
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, USA
22 posts
These suggestions are all wonderful! Thank you so much!
Posted by
Denver, CO
118 posts
Hi Karen - We went on a food tour of the Marais with Paris by Mouth when we were in Paris a couple of years ago. It was an excellent and fun introduction to the city and helped with learning our way around the neighborhood. If you're interested in this company, sign up as soon as the tour slots open, as they fill up. I believe they offer tours of other neighborhoods as well. Enjoy!