A Parisian Piquenique
One of the best ways to save money while still enjoying Parisian cuisine is to picnic. Go to a fromagerie for cheese; to a boulangerie for a baguette; to a charcuterie for pâté, sausage, or salad; and to a patisserie for luscious pastries. Add a bottle of Côtes du Rhone -- it goes well with picnics -- and you'll have the makings of a delightful, typically French meal you can take to the nearest park or along the banks of the Seine. Pretend you're in Manet's Déjeuner sur l'herbe, and enjoy! (Don't forget the corkscrew!)
The best spot for a picnic is a cozy nook along the Seine. Another great place for picnics (also boating, walks, and jogging) is the Bois de Boulogne (Métro: Porte Maillot), covering some 809 hectares (2,000 acres) at the western edge of Paris. At night it becomes a twilight zone of sex and drugs, but it's lovely during the day. Even though they're in a state of restoration, the splendid gardens of Versailles are another fine picnic spot. You can also enjoy your meal on the grass on a day trip to the cathedral city of Chartres. Go to bucolic Parc André Gagon, a 5-minute walk northwest of the fabled cathedral.
The Best Food Shopping in Paris
Master chef Alain Ducasse continues to expand his empire with the opening of BE, 73 bd. de Courcelles, 8e (tel. 01-46-22-20-20; Métro: Courcelles). Short for Boulangerie Epicerie, BE is part bakery and part upmarket deli. As a baker, Eric Kayser is famous in Paris, and he sells some 400 products from all over the globe, including 15 varieties of French bread baked fresh at least eight times a day. You can stop off here for the makings of a picnic, costing about 20€ to 30€ ($29-$44) per person, depending on your selection. There are only 22 seats. If a table is free, grab it. You can eat an array of freshly made salads for 5.50€ to 8.50€ ($8-$12); delicious homemade soups at 5€ ($7.30); and some of the best and most delectable sandwiches in Paris, costing from 4.20€ to 8€ ($6.10-$12). Of course, if you want some walnut oil from the Dordogne or some lavender honey from Moustiers-Ste-Marie, they are standing on the shelves as well. Open Monday to Saturday 7am to 8pm.
