Paris Left Bank Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe

Discover the charm of Paris’s iconic Left Bank through the Paris Left Bank Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe, a carefully curated experience that combines culinary delights with cultural sights. Priced at $177.64 per person and lasting approximately three hours, this tour offers a balanced blend of food tastings, local history, and expert guidance. With a maximum group size of 12 people, it promises intimacy and personalized attention, making it ideal for those eager to explore Saint-Germain des-Prés beyond typical tourist spots.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on hand-picked, authentic venues. From a historic fromagerie to a vintage brandy shop, each stop showcases traditional French delicacies paired with local wines and spirits. The guides are knowledgeable, providing insights into both the food and the neighborhood’s storied past. While this is a walking experience designed for most guests, those with dietary restrictions should note that it’s not suitable for vegans or individuals with severe dairy allergies.

Key Points

• Price: $177.64 per person for a three-hour culinary journey
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours with seven food stops
• Locations: Focused on Saint-Germain des-Prés, one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods
• Food & Drink: Includes pastry tips from a Michelin-starred chef, French cheeses, apple tart, baguettes, and local spirits such as Armagnac and port wine
• Small group: Capped at 12 travelers for a personalized experience
• Highlights: Visits to historic venues like Boulangerie Poilâne and Ryst Dupeyron, plus a taste of the neo-bistro scene at L’Avant Comptoir
• Additional Info: Tour meets at Bar de la Croix Rouge and ends at L’Avant Comptoir du Marché, with free cancellation available

The Starting Point at Bar de la Croix Rouge

The tour begins at Bar de la Croix Rouge, located at 2 Pl. Michel Debré. This lively spot is near public transportation and offers a relaxed introduction to the neighborhood. From here, the guide leads guests into the world of French gastronomy, setting a convivial tone for the three-hour exploration.

The meeting point’s central location makes it easy to access and provides a good starting place for a day of culinary discovery. The tour’s timing means you’ll arrive at several venues before they get busy, ensuring a more intimate tasting experience.

Visiting the Historic Boulangerie Poilâne for Apple Tart

The first stop is the renowned Boulangerie Poilâne, an institution in Paris for over a century. Known for supplying top restaurants and food shops across the city, Poilâne impresses with its apple tart and butter cookies shaped like spoons, which are baked fresh and served to showcase the bakery’s craftsmanship.

Guests have the opportunity to taste some of the finest bakery products in Paris in a setting that exudes tradition. This stop also offers insight into the bakery’s long-standing role in Parisian life, making it more than just a tasting but a glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage.

Cheese Tasting at Barthélémy, a Parisian Cheese Institution

Next, the tour visits Barthélémy, a top cheese shop that has supplied cheese to the French presidents since 1970. Here, guests sample a selection of French cheeses in a cozy, historic setting. The shop’s reputation for quality and authenticity makes it a highlight for cheese lovers.

Guided by an expert, visitors learn about the different types of cheese and the craftsmanship behind them. This stop exemplifies Paris’s deep-rooted cheese culture, with a focus on traditional techniques and local flavors.

Desserts at De la Cuisine et du Pain, Associated with Thierry Marx

The third stop is De la cuisine et du pain, a bakery connected to Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Hidden within a food court, this venue offers a chance to taste traditional baked goods crafted by one of Paris’s most innovative pastry chefs.

Guests enjoy sampling baked treats that demonstrate classic French baking with a contemporary twist. The setting reveals a blend of eccentric culinary artistry and culinary excellence, making it an inspiring visit for foodies.

Artistic Pastries at Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Des Gâteaux et du Pain earned the accolade of best pastry shop in Paris in 2018. The shop is celebrated for its artistic pastries with natural, vibrant flavors. The owner, a notable female pastry chef, creates passionately crafted desserts that look as beautiful as they taste.

Guests get to try pastries that are both works of art and culinary masterpieces, showcasing the artistry behind Parisian pastry making. This stop emphasizes the importance of visual appeal and natural ingredients in French desserts.

Sampling Vintage Brandy at Ryst Dupeyron – Vintage and Co

A visit to Ryst Dupeyron – Vintage and Co offers a rare chance to sample Armagnac and vintage port at one of Paris’s oldest brandy shops. Established in 1905, this historic shop specializes in rare spirits, including Premiers Crus and Grands Crus wines.

Guests enjoy a tasting of high-quality spirits in a setting rich with history. Such an experience provides insight into Paris’s distilling traditions and the importance of age-old recipes in the city’s alcohol culture.

Exploring the Neo-Bistro Scene at L’Avant Comptoir du Marché

L’Avant Comptoir du Marché is a vibrant spot led by Yves Camdebord, a pioneer of bistronomy or neo-bistro cuisine. The venue is popular among locals and chefs alike, making it an ideal place to understand modern Parisian dining.

Guests sample small plates and local wines in a lively, communal atmosphere. The guide often shares insights into Paris’s evolving culinary scene, highlighting the shift from traditional brasseries to innovative bistro concepts.

A Visit to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

The tour includes a stop at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, Paris’s first department store, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s studio. Visitors can admire the light-filled architecture and browse the curated selection of high-end goods. It’s a perfect place to appreciate Paris’s retail history and modern shopping culture.

While not a tasting stop, the store’s artistic design and historic significance make it an enriching addition to the culinary journey.

The Historic Café that Once Hosted Literary Legends

Guests visit one of Paris’s oldest coffeehouses, dating back to the 1880s. This café was once frequented by famous writers and philosophers such as Picasso, Hemingway, and Sartre. The ambiance offers a glimpse into Paris’s intellectual past and its vibrant café culture.

This stop provides a relaxing moment and connects the city’s literary and artistic history with its culinary scene.

Visiting the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Hotel Lutetia

The tour concludes with a visit to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, known for housing the burials of Frankish kings and René Descartes. The church’s architecture and history deepen the understanding of the neighborhood’s religious and cultural significance.

Nearby, the Hotel Lutetia, built in 1910, stands as an architectural masterpiece of Art Nouveau style. Once hosting icons like Picasso, Matisse, and Charles De Gaulle, the hotel reflects Paris’s luxury and artistic heritage.

Practicalities and Booking Details

This tour departs from Bar de la Croix Rouge and ends at L’Avant Comptoir du Marché. It is designed for most travelers, though vegans and those with severe dairy allergies should note that the tour involves dairy-based foods. The tour includes local French wines and brandies and seven food stops exploring notable sights.

Booking typically occurs 56 days in advance, emphasizing its popularity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before and provides a personalized experience with a local English-speaking guide.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Left Bank Food & Wine Tour

This three-hour culinary walk offers an authentic taste of Saint-Germain des-Prés, combining food tastings, historic venues, and insider insights. It’s especially suited for those interested in French cuisine, local spirits, and Parisian culture, with a small-group atmosphere that fosters engaging conversations.

While the focus is on gastronomy and history, the tour’s highlights—such as Michelin-starred bakery tips, vintage brandy tastings, and artful pastries—make it a well-rounded experience for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. The only caveat is that it’s not suitable for vegans or guests with dairy allergies, so planning accordingly is advised.

The Paris Left Bank Food & Wine Tour delivers a delightful taste of Paris, balancing culinary excellence with neighborhood charm in an intimate setting. It’s a highly recommended choice for those seeking an immersive, guided exploration of the city’s gastronomic traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours.

What is included in the price?
Guests enjoy seven food stops, including pastries, cheeses, and spirits. They also receive local wine and brandy tastings and a guided exploration of Saint-Germain des-Prés.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bar de la Croix Rouge and finishes at L’Avant Comptoir du Marché.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
It is suitable for most, but not recommended for vegans or guests with severe dairy allergies due to the nature of the food offerings.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start.

How many people are in each group?
The group is limited to 12 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Do I need to have prior knowledge of French cuisine?
No, the guides provide informative explanations suitable for all levels of familiarity.

Are there any physical requirements?
It involves walking between stops, but the pace is manageable for most guests.

Is alcohol included in the tour?
Yes, you sample local wines and spirits as part of the experience.

Can I bring children?
While not specified, most guests should be able to enjoy the tour; service animals are allowed.