Introducing French Fridays!!

In honor of my favorite place to visit and send travelers to - The Barge Lady is officially dedicating Friday's to all thing Francais! The beauty, the romance, the culture, the scenery, the food, the wine and OMG the Cheese Glorious Cheese! (I love for French Cheese and would probably live solely on cheese, baguettes and coke light if I lived in France.) Each week I will feature something I love about France on Friday. Since this is the first French Friday - I will start with the city I have traveled to more times than anywhere else and love more with every jaunt - PARIS!


Sure, I could talk about the museums, the Champs Elysee, the Eiffel Tower or any number of  obvious landmarks, but I have cheese on the brain and what better place to start than what I think is the best street market in Paris. The Rue Cler -one of my favorite places to stroll along, pick up some cheese, a freshly baked baguette sit down and order a coke light and take in Paris as I devour my goodies.

Rue Cler is an authentic market street is where the locals go to buy their favorite foods or to meet friends and enjoy sitting outside the many cafés while they watch the world go by - and one of the reasons we love staying in the 7th arrondissement. Over the years Rue Cler has been transformed from a local neighborhood street market to a destination for great food shopping in Paris. Most of the street is a pedestrian area and still has its original cobblestones adding to the charm. Patisseries, cheese shops, butchers, delicatessens, fishmongers, greengrocers, chocolate shops and cafés abound on this bustling street - what more could you want?! 

Barge Lady Rue Cler Recommendations

Boulangerie Patisserie
This boulangere sits on a corner, pictured above. Over the years I have savored memorable baguettes, pastries and a perfect Quiche Lorraine from this shop. Lines can be a little long just before lunch as well as Sunday mornings, but I have found they move quickly.

Charcuterie Jeusselin
Pictured at right, this Charcuterie sells all French specialties including prepared casseroles and is a local favorite.  They are also known for their award winning sausages.
 
La Fromagerie Cler
If you love cheese - this shop is a must! It's hard to pick a favorite cheese at this shop - everything is excellent! Fromagerie Cler is large, and has a wide selection of top artisinal cheeses from all regions of France. Chèvre, comté, roquefort, gruyère, cantal, beaufort, camembert, brie and more! Heaven! In addition to cheeses, you will also find a delicious selection of butters from Normandy, creme fraiche and fresh eggs. 

Location & Hours

Rue Cler, 7th arrondissement
 Open Monday - Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday mornings. 

Please Note: Many of the stores are closed on Mondays. If you plan on going to Rue Cler on a Sunday earlier is better if you want to avoid the crowds.