My Eye Prefer Paris tour of the Marais covered more than just clothing, continuing on a decidedly gourmet note.
We tasted some delicious chocolates at the Joséphine Vannier shop. This is not the only artisanal chocolaterie in the Marais, but it’s better-quality and less expensive than the more well-known chocolate shops on rue Vieille du Temple (closer to the neighborhood's center of activity). I bought four rich and delicious individual pieces for about 2 Euros/approx. $2.70. Richard told me the shop specialized in thematic chocolate sculptures. One of the small shop's walls featured chocolate reproductions of circus-themed creations vintage advertising posters (see above photo).
It’s clear to me that Richard enjoys staking out the city's best culinary shops and cafés. For example, he pointed out a café to me that has not only kept its old-fashioned charm, but also serves a whopping bowl of chocolate mousse for dessert; you aren't expected to devour the whole bowl, but you're given a fair shot at getting in as much as you can.
Richard next showed me around a covered market (most Paris markets, or marchés, are open-air) that features a variety of foods, including middle-eastern selections, flowers, and a little cafe in the back on a small, intimate square.
Eye Prefer Paris tours generally include a stop to eat or sip hot chocolate. Since eating is such a fundamental part of French life and experience, this is only fitting.
