1. Local markets and neighbourhood shops: the beating heart of authentic Paris
Local markets and neighbourhood shops are an integral part of everyday Parisian life. They set the rhythm of the mornings, inspire home cooking and create genuine human connections. Around Maison Mère, this neighbourhood life is particularly vibrant, shaped by iconic addresses such as the Cadet market, the Anvers market, and the Saint-Quentin market — a true Parisian institution.
Just a few minutes’ walk away, the streets come alive with independent greengrocers, artisanal bakeries and delicatessens, where people come as much for the quality of the products as for the conversation. Here, there is no mass tourism: you observe, you taste, you talk.
Covered markets and open-air stalls offer total immersion in French gastronomy: seasonal fruit and vegetables, carefully aged cheeses, freshly delivered fish, and colourful flowers chosen according to the mood of the day. For travellers, it’s a fully sensory experience — far from clichés and deeply connected to everyday Parisian life.
Staying at Maison Mère means experiencing this side of Paris: a city of simple yet precious habits, where every stroll becomes a discovery.