Fauchon is probably the best luxury food shop in Paris. It has several stores now (including a recent one in Beijing), but the original one, the one that was founded in 1886 by Auguste Fauchon, is located on Place de la Madeleine, at the back of the church. They really have good stuff! I remember, when I was much younger, I used to live near there and every Sunday I would buy croissants from them. Yes, they are to die for! Now I live further away, but I pass by La Madeleine every morning on my way to work, and that is how I got to take this photo. Service Voiturier means Valet Parking, by the way.
11 to 15 people are already attending this year's PDP Picnic on May 7, why don't you join? Please check this topic.
first ...
ReplyDeleteahhh Fauchon.... oh Eric you really makes us dream bringing us the best of Paris...
ReplyDeleteI have tasted a few delicacies at Fauchon. Again, the chocolate makes me crazy. Also I love the style of the store with pink and black colors decorating it.
Don't you get croissants anymore when you pass by the store on your way to work? You should!
first time first ;-] yes event the croissant ordinaire [ordinary] are good but if you sin you can have the butter version [croissant au beurre] really it is up to you.
ReplyDeleteyou have to test and make a note which one you prefer
inge
Memories of shopping at Fauchon on Christmas Eve! Thank you, Eric, for refreshing a wonderful memory! Now, if I could only find those fruit pastes that I hid in the kitchen in Seattle last January . . .
ReplyDeleteAnonyme
ReplyDeleteYou must be newish around here...
According to the PDP Constituition you can only be GF if you post at least 1 line of comment about the blog...so "first" doesn't count!
Eric
Thank you so much about the food related posts. theya re by far my subject ;)
Michael
I bought a pair of arm bands in case you do decide to throw me into the Seine.
Monica
I am taking a Brazilian flag to the picnic to represent you too...
Thank you, Eric, now I'm hungry and it's not time for dinner here yet. I still have another meeting. Maybe I can get her to meet me at a coffee shop, if not Fauchon.
ReplyDeleteFrom the looks of the busy street, they need service voiturier.
Oh, I love their flavored madeleines! Yum!
ReplyDeleteTara
What a beautiful store - their candies are works of art - to the eye and the palate. I'm a big fan of another store in Place de la Madeleine, Hediards. Love their coffee - it's the best.
ReplyDeleteRose I'm so proud of you! Now I feel like somehow I'll make part of the picnic.
ReplyDeleteYou know you have to take a picture of the picnic with the flag showing in it! For me! I mean, for us!
:-)
;'jgggggggggg iupe oops. sorry, the title of the post caused me to drool on my keyboard...
ReplyDeleteI, too, remember going to Fauchon as a kid. Good times! :-D
I am crazy about Fauchon! It was the one place from my very first Paris trip that I could completely visualize many years later. But when I visited recently, it seems they have re-organized. I remember a fabulous pastry display and tall tables where you could stand and have coffee and treats. Did that disappear? The last time I went there, there was no pastry - only glorious morels on display (which I also adore). Did I get myself into the wrong side of the shop somehow? Lunch there was glorious as well...especially dessert!
ReplyDeleteMmmm, Fauchon. It's so expensive, but one of those things you have to do if you're there :) Their macarons are pretty good, too.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is a Maille store there - another weakness of mine!
yes, croissant, and cafe. perfect way to start the day.
ReplyDeletei used your pix to be my office desktop wallpaper. i will have a piece of paris here in Kuala Lumpur everyday.
thanx eric. keep up and good work.
I've heard of this cafe and store, but is it a better place to go than Laduree?
ReplyDeleteI may not be able to get to Paris for a few years yet, but I am making a list of places I MUST go. Any suggestions welcome!! I do love croissants and any kind of bread, and dark chocolate is my dream come true.
Oh, goodness -- both times I've visited Paris, I've stayed right by Fauchon in a little hotel on the Rue de Seze. I have to admit that it's kind of amusing in that neighborhood to see the juxtaposition of the gorgeous and elegant storefronts with the tawdry little sex shops just around the corner! (I always steered toward Fauchon, and avoided the "not so nice" places!)
ReplyDeleteIf it were possible to make me miss Paris more than I already do, this shot did it. Even so, your photos never fail to brighten my day!
I took one look at your great photo and thought -- yes, expensive. Valet parking tells all.
ReplyDeleteFauchon is fantastic! This photo brings back memories of a rainy spring day in Paris (imagine that) when we ducked into La Madeleine to wait out the storm...no confessions that day...erph!!! Glad you've got sun again and how lucky you are to walk by this beauty each day to work. Does La Madeleine still have the wonderful concerts (strings, piano, etc)?
ReplyDeleteTomate Farcie, you made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long I would have to live in Paris to become a real flaneur? That's my ambition. Hmm. I would probably have to take up smoking again to really do it right.
Who would have thought to take a photo of this sign but Eric? Well done!
ReplyDelete- Oh Petrea, you just don't know... ;-)
- Buzzgirl, sometimes the price makes it taste even better!
- There is always the photo from 2 days ago for those who feel the need after drooling on their keyboard Tomate!
- Will look for the flag at the picnic, Rose. I wouldn't want it to get wet when you go into the Seine so I'll have to figure that out when I get there! ;-)
So, I can only imagine that this Voiturier was reserved for none other than our very own Eric Tenin, seen here, direct from being on the jury in Romans. What a great photo of you Eric!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the duplicating link, but just want to be sure that everybody sees you!
Michael, you are too much. In a good way.
ReplyDeletemonica: I didn't get a chance to say that I will bring a macaron from Laduree to represent you at the picnic!
ReplyDeleteWas in the Madeline area yesterday and now wonder if I would have seen Eric!
I have a bad story about Fauchon but I think I will leave it at that.
Thanks Michael. How did you get that photo? Pretty fancy shoes Eric. You look relaxed and happy. Great to see you.
ReplyDeleteYesterday we had science fiction food and today we have tradition from 1886. I prefer the last one.
ReplyDeleteI too just love the beautiful old luxury shops on Place de la Madeleine.
It's funny how a picture of a sign can make you long SO much for Paris. It's like Pavlos dogs !
Christie I could talk from now on and till ... ? about what you MUST do in Paris, so don't get me started :)
It's good to have some recommendations, but I think you shall go there and find your own Paris, then you'll discover the magic that makes you go back again and again and ... As I warned you the other day; PARIS is addictive.
BTW tomorrow I'm picking up my tickets for my next TWO trips to Pareeee. I just can't wait.
Lois, the web is a smalllll place if you look hard enough! Yes Eric, those shoes are something!
ReplyDeleteI had never even heard of Fauchon! I know that it is sheer blsphemy but... I don't really like croissants. I call them crumbssoints because half of the pastry ends up in crumb form on my plate or swirling in my coffee. I am a chausson aux pomme girl myself:)
ReplyDeleteIs there really a PDP pinic! Can someone email me details? My address is on my blog. I would so appreciate it!
Eric's shoes are indeed rather nice, as is his very relaxed pose and comfort with his microphone!
ReplyDeleteEric. Do you mean to tell me that they will park your car while you shop for luxury food?? I can't wait to go there!
oooh really disappointed for not being first but the law is the law even on internet but looking at eric’s shoes cheered me up
ReplyDeleteinge
Yes thank you Michael for letting us see Eric in action. That was fun. I too like your shoes and your casual looks Eric (it's meant as a compliment).
ReplyDeleteEric...you look good and so stylish ;)
ReplyDeleteWait until Lynn sees this photo!
A quick one:
ReplyDeleteWill the airfare be sponsored for the PDP picnic? If so, please check my name on the list. :P
Marie, on the left hand side of Eric's blog is a link to the PDP Forum where you can find out details about the PDP Picnic on 7 May. He's also included a link to it at the bottom of his caption.
ReplyDeleteOooh Phx! What will you bring to the picnic to represent me? Huh, huh?!
ReplyDeleteMichael it was great to see Eric thanks! What a superb shot, Eric you look handSOME. It's time for a new profile shot i feel... :) We need to see the updated you. Others agree or disagree?
Michael you're funny! You left no chance for us NOT to see Eric! Lovely photo, very cool our guru star, isn't him!
ReplyDeletePhx that is sweet of you to represent me with the macarons... of course I'd rather be there and actually eat those macarons, but that will do. I'm sure you will be thinking of me!!!
Marie "I don't really like croissants." OMG, like you say, I think people are going to through you stones LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt's OK, I understand, but first have Fauchon's croissants then you'll be eating even the smallest crumb that fell off of them!
To find out about the picnic details, go here. I haven't decided on a location yet, but I'll post it a few days ahead (it all depends on the weather forecasts to tell you the truth...)
Madame Benaut "Eric. Do you mean to tell me that they will park your car while you shop for luxury food?? I can't wait to go there!" No, it's only for Le Café, not the food store. Mind you, having said that, I see no reasons why it would not work for the food store either... As long as you pay for the Valet!
My shoes... I'm glad you noticed them! I wanted to wear them during this festival because this is the kinda place where you have to look cool - I'm sure you know what I mean!
The photo was taken by a Benoît Marchal, from Le Déclencheur (a very good web site dedicated to photography techniques) who once interviewed me.
Had to fly out the door bfore, so didn't have time to comment on Eric's lovely photo (also i was rather too excited by Eric's shoes oooh la la and the confidence with the mic. wowee).
ReplyDeleteVoiturier huh? Must say a lot about this place. I'd love to go there. I'm not a huge pastry fan but chocs well you know Monica and I are hot on those. Even the sandwich board is stylish! Great shot again Eric. I'm beginning to think that you are most recognised laying down in Paree. Walking along the street, i bet you're passed by pretty much like anyone else... the minute you lay down i imagine crowds gather, whispering, nudging "Hey look! It must be Lord Eric, PDP of France! Why, yes it is!....Eric, sign this? Eric, Eric....smile...click....!"
Oh i do get carried away don't i... even i can see it....sigh...
Lynn, your method of writing is always so funny. No chance you'd be mobile for a job here in Paris would you?
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ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me Michael? Yes yes and yes. Chance would be a fine thing. Merci - je suis flatte.
ReplyDeletelol I was right about Lynn!
ReplyDeleteLynn
Don't you worry. I have already taken care of a great way to represent you, Monica, Petrea and Suzy...just wait and see :)
Goodness Rose i wonder what form my rep will be? Obviously slim, young, able to walk elegantly in high heels and refuse chocolate. Whaaaat? A girl can dream, can't she?
ReplyDeleteLynn you do make me laugh!
ReplyDeleteWhat a demanding lady you are. Black high heels I assume. I was surprised that you didn't choose the colour of the dress! lol
As for refusing chocolate...well that would be too unbelievable!
I have put my name on the PDP picnic attendance list. Maybe I should bring us all Fauchon croissants!
ReplyDeleteHi everybody! How fun it is to read Lynn's comment today, once again! Trop forte Lynn!!
ReplyDeleteEric, you used to buy croissants from Fauchon, every sunday morning ... Miam miam! What a boyfriend you should have been then!! Trop fort Eric ;))
he he thanks Corinne! Yes i was imagining that too - Eric popping around to Fauchon of a Sunday, bringing them back to me oh er sorry his girlfriend of the time, to a lofty room overlooking la tour....it's what dreams are made of, is it not?
ReplyDeleteRose It's ALL unbelievable. I can't do any of the things i listed. he he. Oh and black dress of course. Always black. Simple. Elegant. In plain, comfortable patent flatties though. Falling over whilst stuffing chocolates into my mouth would NOT be becoming. Demanding; MOI ? :)
Oh that reminds me - Monica i've answered your query on yesterday's comments.
ReplyDeleteLOL Lynn! I agree that is lovely in France to have croissants or a good baguette for breakfast, without having to get them by yourself, and this especially in a romantic context!!! And I don't even speak of those coming from Fauchon ;) What would it be in UK, instead of croissants ?
ReplyDeleteMarie has an ally. I don't really like croissants either (believe it or not, I find them too sweet!).
ReplyDeleteI remember once having a dinner bought at Fauchon's at my Uncle's house. The dessert was a basket, made out of nougatine (or something similar), filled with very realistic-looking fruits made of various sorbets. I am not a sweet tooth, but I was duly impressed by this masterpiece.
About the Maille store, a few years ago, I was in Paris with a group of students and a few colleagues, and I bought a few things there. I entrusted a colleague with bringing back my Maille purchases home, since I was going to be traveling in Europe some more after the group left for the U.S. Well, believe it or not, he managed to "lose" my stuff. He was very apologetic about it, but I never saw it again!
Corinne, you're right. She must have been seduced at that time as I ended up marrying her!
ReplyDeleteYet, croissants tend to go stale sooner or later...
Eric : "Yet, croissants tend to go stale sooner or later..."
ReplyDeleteI just can't believe it... :)
Nice interview with Benoît Marchal. Thank you for letting us hear it. Do you have anymore of those that you know of?
ReplyDeleteGoodness, metaphors from Eric giving us some rare insight. Corinne if breakfast was collected in the UK from a man to his girl, no. 1 thought is that i'd be amazed, no. 2 is that it might be croissants but no. 3 is that it'd probably be eggs and bacon, in its raw state, given to his girl to cook for him. At least that's my experience in Britain. Maybe i've been unlucky. Maybe romance is stale in the UK...
ReplyDeleteMerci Lynn. I am still laughing!!!!!
ReplyDelete"No. 1 thought is that i'd be amazed" LOL !
"No. 3 is that it'd probably be eggs and bacon, in its raw state, given to his girl to cook for him" LOOOL.
Great Lynn!! I am sure you are joking but maybe there's something true in it!!! ;)
Eric, très bien l'interview, c'est vrai. Lynn, did you hear it ? It is worth listening to.
Eric, Madeleine would like to say "Merci" for the glimpse of her church. She asked me to share with you that she liked shopping at Hediard better than Fauchon. (She is only ten, please forgive her.) : )
ReplyDeleteMmmm, crossaints ... I ate them nearly everyday for breakfast when I was in ... Portugal. Heh. Well, anyway, they are delicious. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on The Fauchon Paris Lecafe. Sounds like a nice place to visit. Elaine Cooke
ReplyDeleteTo represent everyone here on the blog that would wish to attend the PDP picnic one would need a whole bunch of flags, I suspect ... ! (Swedish, Brazilian, British, American ... etc. etc.!).
ReplyDeleteThank goodness you explained "service voiturier". I was horrified for a moment that the Académie Française had somehow gotten its hands on "service au volant" and upscaled it for use by Fauchon.
ReplyDeleteI go there every time I visit Paris. Like going to a shopping centre---- full of fine foods and wine!
Ouaaaiisssss...Fauchon is expensive, and when it comes to macarons I think I prefer Laduree or Poujauran or Pierre Herme. Their croissants are superbe though. Like Mlle Buzz I tend to favor the "Temple of Maille" on the other side of La Madeleine, as I can put mustard on almost anything.
ReplyDeletePetrea you don't have to start smoking again to be a "flaneur" you can just light one and hold it for "poise" or let it burn in the ashtray! LOL!!!
Did someone say they would send us all croissants from Fauchon??? That would be nice!! But like Eric said..."croissants tend to go stale sooner or later"!! The "Över-Night Mail" will cost a bundle!! ;-)
"see Eric! Lovely photo, very cool our guru star, isn't him!" Monica, you have the job! You are the PDP cheerleader. Very cute! LOL
ReplyDeleteFAUCHON!! I love it! Yes, no trip to Paris is complete for a foodie until you have done the following: Start out at Laduree for some macarons, then head down the street and around the corner to Maille for some special mustard.
ReplyDeleteApres, head down the street to Fauchon for some more delectable treats (the last time I was there, they had a three-tiered wedding cake that was covered with different colored macarons!)
Apres, cross the street diagonally over to Hediard and get some caviar des aubergines to spread all over your baguette!!
Mmm, mmm good!
lol Corinne, i'm afraid it's true. My last boyfriend actually did something like it. At eleven at night, he suddenly jumped up from the sofa, said he was popping out and it was a surprise, pointing at me and winking. Back he came a while later, with eggs & bacon from the 24 hr supermarket. "Ooh!" I said, trying not to look for hidden chocolates, "It's ages since i had breakfast in bed. Really?"
ReplyDeleteHe honestly looked at me like i'd taken leave of my senses. "no," he told me, "that's for now! I'm starving again. You go and cook it and i'll put the football on the telly."
I was stunned into submission and did stupidly cook it for him but i should have served it up in the garden and locked the doors. Wish i had.
lol i like your recommendations, especially the Apres! Sounds marvellous.
ReplyDeleteOh and my ex husband, as i settled into the screaming agony and beautiful wonder of childbirth for the first time, at the hospital, started unpacking onto the table next to my bed an array of delicious soft drinks, fruit and an assortment of prawn, salad and chicken sandwiches. "No," said the midwife, "she can't eat at the moment i'm afraid." Ex (yes you guessed it): "Oh no, that's for me. I might get tired and hungry." No, i'm not joking.
ReplyDeleteYou're all so funny ;=) (even if >> Lynn: "No, i'm not joking."
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound like you are!
I should add they're not all like that though. My first husband was an absolute gentleman :)
ReplyDeletelol well it's so easy to laugh about it now, Eric! Ooooh you're about to post are you? Ok i'm rushing up there now to be GF!................
ReplyDeleteNope Lynn, I'm about to go to bed, BUT, now you can schedule your posts on Blogger, so... Today's photo will be posted at sshhhhhhhhhhhhsshh!
ReplyDeleteBlogger won't let me post, Eric, hope you're having better luck.
ReplyDeleteLOOOOOLL! Oh you meanie!....
ReplyDeleteLynn, that's so good to read your comments! So you were not joking... Well, I think we've all had some experiences like those you described (but you describe them much better than I could do!).
ReplyDeleteAnd like you, I still think that not all men are like that. Good manners don't tend to go stale sooner or later ;) Please Eric don't give up yours! Women do love them, yes it's true!!
Absolutely, Corinne!
ReplyDeleteMmmm ... Fauchon. I don't know why, but on my last visite to Paris I didn't stop in. What was I thinking??? Guess I was so focused on OD-ing on Laudree ... :)
ReplyDeleteTonton Flaneur: so glad I don't have to actually smoke it. Surely I must at least wear a hat, though.
ReplyDeleteLynn: We learn that being alone is better than being with someone who thinks so little of us. You are a gem. Mustn't forget that, must we?
Eric: Thanks for the (rare) insight into you. You are a gem as well.
Couldn't resist saying it!
Thanks Petrea you are right. I am happy being sinGLE at the moment, believe me! lol :)
ReplyDeleteWe also have Fauchon is Tokyo - whenever I miss Europe, I head there for a macaroon (or 4) mais je préfère Ladurée. Nous avons un "Ladurée " à Londres aussi! Les macarons et le champagne - parfait!
ReplyDeleteLa vie française est la meilleure vie!