The Best Places to Find Edible Souvenirs in Paris — and Tips for Bringing Them Home

When I travel, hunting for food and tabletop treasures is essential — spices, sweets, and antiques help me relive my adventures when I return home. These unique flavors are also how I like to share the spirit of Paris, my adopted city, with my family back in the U.S. I used to bring back macarons and Mariage Frères tea, but now those are easily available stateside or just a click away, so I search for Parisian tastes that are harder to find elsewhere.

Paris is brimming with options for food souvenirs. Here’s a list of must-have items for your next visit. If you're pressed for time, a visit to La Grande Épicerie, Galeries Lafayette, or even Monoprix for essentials is a good start. However, exploring the smaller shops will let you experience the charming épiceries and local institutions that make Paris special.

Where to Find Pantry Essentials in Paris

Spices

What to seek: Opt for herbs and spices that will infuse your dishes with classic French flavors, particularly those sourced from protected regions. Look for salt from the marshes of Guérande in western France or from the southern Camargue. If purchasing piment d’espelette from the Basque region, ensure it carries the AOC designation, or appellation d’origine contrôlée, which certifies it as authentic and processed according to strict local standards. (France is passionate about safeguarding its culinary traditions.)

Where to visit: Compagnie Française des Poivres et des Épices7 Rue de Furstemberg, 6th arrondissement

A short stroll from Boulevard Saint-Germain leads you to this delightful spice shop located on Place de Furstemberg. This family-owned establishment features a variety of sugars and an impressive selection of salts and peppers, all elegantly presented in small white tin containers and glass cloches, inviting you to savor their enticing aromas.

The shop’s Coffret Français gift box, featuring a seasoning blend perfect for classic chicken and potato roasts, makes for a fantastic souvenir. It also contains salt harvested from the Guérande marshes in the Pays de la Loire region, a practice that has been ongoing for 3,000 years, alongside herbs de Provence—a beloved mixture of rosemary, oregano, and thyme typical of southern France. In addition to the gift box, don’t forget to pick up a bottle of piment d’espelette and some Peugeot bistro pepper grinders. For a more upscale option, consider cast iron, sterling silver, or Lalique crystal grinders.

Tea

What to seek:

Tea is everywhere in France; seek out a brand that isn’t found back home, offers a diverse range of flavors, and comes in beautiful packaging perfect for gifts. Notable French brands to consider include Mariage Frères, Dammann Frères, Palais des Thés, and Kusmi Tea.

Where to find it: Méert16 Rue Elzevir, 3rd arrondissement

Méert is a charming confectionery and tea shop that exudes old-world elegance. Established in 1677 in Lille, the store features sweets elegantly displayed on vintage counters, with painted tea tins adorning the walls. Don't miss the Thé de la Comtesse, a green tea infused with violets and raspberries, or the Thé des Littéraires, a black Ceylon tea with vanilla, lavender, and bergamot, complete with a painting of Marcel Proust on the packaging.

Méert is also famous for its gaufres, delightful waffles filled with salted caramel, as well as its exquisite Madagascar vanilla. Be sure to check out the caramels and meringue-filled tin cans, which make excellent travel-friendly gifts with a long shelf life.

Confiture

What to seek: While brands like Bonne Maman are widely available, opt for artisanal preserves such as Confiture Parisienne, Alain Milliat, and L’Épicurien. These brands typically use unrefined cane sugar and steer clear of additives and preservatives.

Where to find it:Confiture Parisienne17 Avenue Daumesnil, 12th arrondissement

Nestled in the arcades of the Viaduc des Arts, this shop and workshop offers a unique experience where you can sample from 90 different flavors of jams and jellies while observing the team create them in large copper pots behind glass.

The shop's confiture fraise tomate (strawberry tomato) is a must-try, alongside enticing options like carrot passion fruit vanilla, la confiture de la Tour Eiffel (strawberry and rosemary), orange grapefruit clementine kumquat, or the blanc de blancs Champagne jelly and rosé jelly. Don’t miss the savory jams for your aperitif, such as chutney d’oignon rose, cornichon chutney, and poivron cetterave chutney.

How to bring it home: Jams are packaged in glass jars, so place them in a resealable plastic bag and nestle them securely in your clothes within your checked luggage.

French mustard

What to seek: Remember the mustard shortage of 2022? This condiment is vital to French cuisine, featuring in tarts, vinaigrettes, and sauces, often paired with steak. Most mustard makers use Canadian seeds, so for a unique souvenir, look for mustard sourced and produced in France.

Keep an eye out for Moutarde de Meaux Pommery, which offers flavors like honey, green peppercorn, gingerbread, truffle, and cognac, or Martin-Pouret, featuring piment d’espelette, Indian spices, béarnaise, honey, and chardonnay. My top pick is Edmond Fallot, crafting artisanal mustards since 1840 in Beaune near Dijon, using local seeds: their tarragon mustard is exceptional, but don’t miss out on the cassis, green peppercorn, basil, walnut, classic Dijon, and white wine varieties.

Where to visit: G. Detou58 Rue Tiquetonne, 2nd arrondissement

G. Detou is a favorite among bakers and chefs, featuring two neighboring stores—one dedicated to sweets and the other to savory delights. While there, don't miss out on vinegars from Martin-Pouret, honey from Le Rucher de l’École, and cacao from Valrhona.

How to transport it home: Mustards come in glass jars or ceramic pots, so wrap cloth around each jar and pack them securely in your checked luggage.

Crème de marron

What to seek: Crème de marron, or chestnut cream, offers a roasted, nutty, toffee flavor and is a pantry essential in many French homes. While several brands exist, one by a renowned pastry chef is sure to elevate your desserts.

Where to find it: Sébastien Gaudard1 rue des Pyramides, 1st arrondissement

Situated close to the Tuileries, Sébastien Gaudard is a delightful pastry and tea room boasting a vintage charm inside and a cozy café atmosphere outside. Don't forget to sample the tea, confiture, and honey while you're there.

How to transport it home: Crème de marron typically comes in glass bottles and can last up to three years. Wrap it in your socks or a T-shirt and place it in your checked luggage.

Where to purchase chocolate, sweets, and treats in Paris

Butter biscuits

What to seek: Pur beurre (pure butter) and sables Bretons are quintessential French biscuits. The former resembles shortbread and is crafted with unsalted butter, while the latter, hailing from Brittany, incorporates salt along with butter. Both are utterly delightful.

Where to visit: Poilâne8 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th arrondissement

Established in 1932, Poilâne excels at combining flour, eggs, and sugar. This is the original bakery, featuring a café and bakery side by side. While various biscuits are available, the Punitions biscuits stand out for good reason. They contain no additives, preservatives, or artificial colors—just eggs, butter, flour, and sugar, baked over a wood fire.

How to transport them home: The biscuits are typically packaged in a box, and you might even find them in a tin, making them easy to carry without risking a crumbly mess.

Chocolate

What to seek: Paris boasts a plethora of chocolate shops, offering a variety of formats. Indulge in exquisite chocolates from renowned names like Alain Ducasse, Pierre Hermé, Jacques Génin, Cyril Lignac, and Pierre Marcolini at their boutiques throughout the city. Most places will gladly provide samples and answer your inquiries, but a box of assorted chocolates is the perfect way to savor different flavors.

Where to find it: À La Mère de Famille, various locations

À La Mère de Famille is the oldest candy shop in Paris, boasting 10 locations throughout the city. The Belle Époque store on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement is recognized as a historic monument, featuring charming antique floor tiles and wooden counters filled with glass jars of sweets.

Their caramel beurre salé chocolates offer a delightful fusion of flavors. While you’re there, don’t miss the nougat, pure butter biscuits, florentines, mendiants, and chocolate-covered almonds. If you find it hard to choose just one chocolate, opt for a beautifully packaged assortment in a keepsake tin.

Wine and spirits

What to seek: In small wine cellars, the owners and their staff are ready to assist you in selecting the ideal bottle. Be prepared to share your preferences regarding white or red, light or full-bodied, and whether you need a bottle for an aperitif or dinner.

Where to visit: La Cave de Belleville 51 Rue de Belleville, 19th arrondissement

La Cave de Belleville is a charming wine bar and cellar located in the 19th arrondissement of Belleville. Long tables line the center, inviting you to savor wines alongside plates of charcuterie and cheese. If you have the time, enjoy sampling a few wines before choosing your favorite to take home. The shop is organized by region, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist your exploration. For spirit enthusiasts, Maison du Whisky at Odéon offers a selection of whiskeys and spirits from France and beyond.

How to transport it home: Most wine shops provide boxes and bubble wrap. If you buy just one bottle, wrapping it in bubble wrap and clothing in your checked luggage is sufficient. For two or more bottles, bubble wrap is good, but consider using a box or bottle separators for added protection.

Cheese, charcuterie, and canned goods

Cheese and cured meats

What to seek out: It can be helpful to inquire about a shop’s best-selling items to discover their specialties or award-winning products. For cheese, always ask what's currently in season, and if you’re traveling abroad, opt for hard or semi-soft varieties. Keep in mind that store clerks may not be fully aware of travel restrictions on dairy products.

Where to visit: Maison Plisson93 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 3rd arrondissement

Located in the Marais, Maison Plisson combines a grocery store and cafe-restaurant on a bustling boulevard between Bastille and République. It proudly features top-quality products from smaller, lesser-known producers across France. The Prince de Paris is a unique traditional ham made in Paris, free from antibiotics, nitrates, and artificial additives. For cheeses that travel well, consider Comté, Camembert, Beaufort, Gruyère, or Emmentaler.

How to transport it: Nearly every épicerie will vacuum seal your meat or cheese, making it suitable for your checked luggage. Since the cargo hold of an airplane is quite cold, it’s an ideal storage place. (Maison Plisson recommends that sous vide packed meats and cheeses can last up to eight hours without refrigeration.) However, be aware that certain foods, like some cured meats and unpasteurized cheeses, are restricted from entry into the U.S. and may only be permissible if you're traveling to another destination within the E.U.

Foie gras

What to seek: Foie gras can spark debate, but if you appreciate this French delicacy, you’ll find it in nearly every gourmet food shop. Look for products from Dordogne and Les Landes, and prefer canned or jarred versions over refrigerated sous vide blocks.

Foie gras is typically sliced from a block (similar to cheese) and served on toast. Pair it with onion or rhubarb chutneys for a flavor boost.

Where to find it: Lafitte47 rue Cler, 7th arrondissement

Lafitte is a contemporary shop featuring two walls filled exclusively with jars and cans of meats. This sleek, no-frills setup stands in stark contrast to most historic brands, yet it has been offering canned meats since 1920. The store also boasts an extensive selection of rillettes, pâtés, and spreads.

How to transport it: Canned foie gras, pâté, and duck confit can be brought into the U.S. as long as they are sealed in a can or jar with clearly listed manufacturer ingredients.

Canned seafood

What to seek: Canned or jarred seafood is quite popular in France, influenced by the rich seafood traditions of Normandy and Brittany. Always check the packaging to confirm that the fish originates from the coasts of France (and not Portugal or Spain). Along with standard options like tuna, sardines, and mackerel, explore varieties infused with lemon, tomatoes, or spices.

Where to find it: La Belle-Iloise, various locations

Founded in 1932, La Belle-Iloise offers a selection of canned tuna, sardines, mackerel, and soups sourced from Quiberon, Brittany. While you can find their products in many épiceries throughout Paris, they also operate five dedicated shops in the city. The location at 53 Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement is particularly delightful, situated on a charming pedestrian street filled with other food shops, restaurants, and cafés.

These products make wonderful gifts, especially when packaged in attractive boxed sets. The shops also feature jarred seaweed mayonnaise, hummus, seaweed spreads, and all the essentials for hosting a coastal-themed aperitif at home.

How to transport it: Canned seafood can be brought into the U.S., but it's best to place it in your checked luggage due to potential oil or liquid contents that might exceed airline restrictions.

Home essentials and culinary tools

Vintage tableware

What to seek out: France is renowned for its 'art de la table,' showcasing a range of metal and porcelain tableware from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. If you're after a specific pattern or brand, like Christofle or Gien, be sure to ask a sales associate. Many smaller manufacturers have imitated the renowned houses, so you can find stunning no-name pieces from defunct makers. Keep an eye out for any cracks in glass or porcelain and rust on metal items, though imperfections often add to the charm of antique finds.

Get creative when exploring vintage tabletop items; many serve multiple purposes beyond their intended use. A Champagne bucket can double as a vase, an oddly shaped cutting board can transform into wall art, and a crystal sugar bowl might just be the perfect jewelry holder.

Where to shop: AXS Design12 rue St Sabin, 11th arrondissement

Nestled in a charming, seemingly exclusive cobblestone courtyard in the 11th arrondissement, AXS is an antique haven. The shop features two rooms brimming with silver-plated cutlery stored in jars, stacks of ceramic plates adorning shelves and tables, beveled crystal glassware, folded red and ecru torchons (sturdy linen kitchen towels), and embroidered tablecloths elegantly displayed on hangers.

How to transport your finds: Silver cutlery can be easily wrapped in tissue paper, but fragile items require extra attention. Wrap porcelain plates individually, grouping them in sets of two or four with cardboard in between for added protection. Fill any hollow areas in glassware, vases, and soup tureens with crumpled brown packing paper before fully encasing them in bubble wrap. To ensure safe travel for your treasures, carry them in your hand luggage. If your purchases exceed airline limits, AXS provides shipping services.

Cookbooks

What to seek out: If you can read French (or utilize a translation app), a cookbook is your best ally for mastering tarts, soufflés, and traditional family recipes. Keep an eye out for titles published by Hachette, a leading publisher covering nearly every aspect of French cuisine. Since not all French cookbooks are widely accessible, opting for a dedicated cookbook store rather than a general bookstore will provide a broader selection. Plus, Paris boasts many themed bookstores.

Where to visit: The Librairie Gourmande92-96 rue Montmartre, 2nd arrondissement

The Librairie Gourmande, while not the most extravagant bookstore, is conveniently located and offers an extensive range of French language books focused on food. Alternatively, enthusiasts of culinary history and table art can explore the bouquinistes along the Seine, which have been operating since the 16th century. On Quai Conti, directly across from the Hôtel des Monnaies, you’ll find a vendor specializing in food literature, vintage cookbooks, and posters from the Larousse encyclopedia.

French culinary tools

What to find: Many aspiring chefs journey to France to attend its prestigious cooking schools, often returning with tools that grace Michelin-starred kitchens. Inquire with sales associates about the heritage of various brands, many of which are small family-run enterprises steeped in history.

Where to visit:Landline107 Avenue Parmentier, 11th arrondissement

Landline is an innovative concept store located in the 11th arrondissement, showcasing floor-to-ceiling shelves brimming with ethically sourced kitchenware, toys, paper goods, and tools from small businesses. Here, you can find vibrant, hand-painted ceramics from Dimanche Vaisselle and Samantha Kerdine, oven mitts crafted from deadstock fabric, traditional Sarreguemines white porcelain ramekins, and an array of surprisingly handy kitchen gadgets like tomato knives, zigzag wine openers, heated ice cream scoops, and brass pepper mills.

How to transport your finds: Metal kitchen tools can be easily stowed in either your carry-on or checked luggage. (Avoid placing any sharp objects in your carry-on to prevent them from being confiscated.) Porcelain items should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper and kept in your carry-on for protection.

Copper cookware

What to seek: Copper pots are renowned for their ability to distribute heat evenly while cooking, and they also make a stunning display in any kitchen.

Mauviel 1830 copper pots are the pinnacle of copper cookware, complete with a price to match. It's wise to select a few pieces during each visit to gradually build your collection. This centuries-old brand is celebrated for its craftsmanship and traditional production methods, ensuring that your pots will endure for generations. Don't forget to ask for a tub of copper cleaner as well; maintaining the luster of copper requires regular care.

Where to shop: E. Dehillerin18-20 Rue Coquillière, 1st arrondissement

E. Dehillerin has been a beloved destination for home cooks and professional chefs alike, including Julia Child. It's a treasure trove of culinary supplies, and while its narrow aisles and cluttered layout may seem chaotic, they only add to its unique charm.

How to transport your treasures: Depending on the size of the pots you choose, you might want to consider purchasing an extra suitcase for their journey or mailing a box of your items home to lighten your load.

A little bit of everything

A curated boxed set of Parisian delights

What to seek:The finest boxed gift sets showcase products crafted in Paris, celebrating iconic French flavors and ingredients. Some shops and restaurants offer pre-selected bestsellers, while others might provide a beautiful box for you to create your own collection of favorites.

Where to find it: La Tour d’Argent15 Quai de la Tournelle, 5th arrondissement

Established in 1582, La Tour d’Argent holds the title of the oldest restaurant in Paris. The attached épicerie occupies the ground floor of this iconic venue, which offers one of the finest views in the city—along with prices to match.

The shop’s Le Coffret Emblématique gift box features the restaurant's signature offerings, including exquisite wine and duck. If the box feels like too much, you can also find honey, tea, sweets, and wine available for purchase from the épicerie.

You can discover unforgettable boxed gift sets at Maison Plisson, Fauchon, La Maison du Caviar, Ladurée, and Maxim’s.

Ajiri Aki is the author of JOIE: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life and the founder of Madame de la Maison, an antique e-commerce shop.Additional photo credits: Mustard photo by Ajiri Aki; terrine photo by Ajiri Aki; biscuits by Poilâne; bottle of wine by Olga Popova/Shutterstock; cheese by Nat Belkov