Printemps du Goût: A Paris Shopping Institution Focuses on French Terroir

On January 10^th the iconic Parisian department store Printemps followed the example of competitors Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette by opening their own épicerie fine, Le Printemps du Goût.

Promoted by the historic Parisian enterprise as “Le Marché dans le Ciel” or The Market in the Sky, Printemps has distinguished its luxury food shop from rivals by elevating the grocery shopping experience to the top two floors of the store (as opposed to the lower level shops at Le Bon Marché and Lafayette), providing customers with impressive rooftop views of the capital as they browse a selection of carefully curated products.

In addition to offering the possibility of skyline shopping, Printemps also sets itself apart from the competition by focusing on French terroir. Printemps du Goût stocks exclusively French products, from olive oils to herbs and spices and a wide selection of French wine and, of course, champagne.

The list of suppliers runs the gamut of French made products from well known producers including baked goods from Gontran Cherrier, pastries from Christophe Michalek, chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat, and locally roasted coffee from the 18^th arrondissement’s own Café Lomi.

In addition to prepared items, the shop’s selection also includes fresh whole foods ranging from fresh fish to fruits and produce, all locally sourced with a focus on seasonality. Shoppers can purchase newly harvested goods to cook at home, or enjoy them sur place at the shop’s restaurant, which proposes non-stop service throughout the day. Enjoy a coffee and cake, lunch, or a glass of wine and sharing plates while taking in the view while seated in the laid back dining space.

Printemps du Goût is engaged in bringing the consumer closer to their local producer and plans on organizing regular tastings that will facilitate these rencontres. The shop is also committed to adopting an eco-friendly approach to business and is dedicated to reducing waste by recycling and diminishing food waste in cooperation with the association La Tablée des Chefs.

Related Links

• Another locally sourced food store to try is L’Épicerie des Environs.
• For socially responsible wine to accompany your meal, head to Les Petits Domaines.
• Sortir a Paris also covers the opening Printemps du Goût.

Written by Emily Dilling for HiP Paris. All photos courtesy of Manuel Bougot. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, Tuscany, Umbria or Liguria? Check out Haven In.