Where to Find the Best Food Souvenirs in Paris

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By Jennifer Ladonne

It may be known as the romantic City of Light and the capital of haute couture, but if there's one thing every traveler yearns to bring home after a trip to Paris, it's a souvenir of the tastes and sips the city offers. From classic choices like a box of delicate, pastel-colored macarons and rich, creamy chocolate truffles to more unique bites like 12th century candies and sweet and savory confitures, there are endless foodstuffs to bring home. Here are some of the best spots to find them across the city.

Sweets at Le Bonbon au Palais trace the map of France—cocquelicots de Nemours, niniches de Quiberon, mirabelles de Lorraine—all tantalizingly displayed in shapely glass jars. Of the 650 bonbons considered part of France's historic legacy, 200 handpicked varieties can be found here, and only those that have been continuously produced by the original artisanal manufacturers. The most ancient example, made of licorice and honey, dates back to the 12th century, when the pearly drops doubled as currency on pilgrimage routes. The bonbons are sold by weight, so you can easily sample them all.

Don't Miss: Candied flowers, fluffy guimauves (traditional marshmallows) in flavors like bergamot and banana, liqueur-filled marzipan enrobed chocolates, and candied blueberries and currents, which may not outdo Mother Nature but sure come close.

French-Belgian patisserie Meert dates back to 1761 and was named official supplier to King Leopold I of Belgium in 1864. Makers of the gaufre, a golden waffle native to Flanders, Meert's recipe is held a strict secret and is treasured for its light cream center perfumed with Madagascar vanilla. The first Paris branch imports the tender, lozenge-shaped pastries daily from Lille, where they are still made by hand over a wood fire. Individually wrapped and beautifully packaged in boxes of six, the gaufres will last up to a week.

Insider Tip: Visit on a Saturday to sample the specialty pastries delivered once a week from Lille. Speculos gaufres, a traditional cinnamon and spice blend, are available for three weeks at Easter time.

The newest addition to the many gourmet shops on the famous market street rue des Martyrs is the sleek and airy La Chambre aux Confitures. Besides dozens of varieties of fruit preserves, including flavors like mirabelle plum, apricot lavender, and strawberry rose, there are marmalades, gelées, and chutneys galore. Hard-to-find gourmet confitures meant for cheese and foie gras—fig, olive and hazelnut; roasted apple and calvados; onion, Beaujolais and Cassis—provide a lesson in French gourmandise. Preserves are made with hand-chosen fruits and a minimal amount of sugar. Best of all, there are spoons for sampling.

Don't Miss: Pale green gelées florales of basil, rosemary, or thyme flowers or a honey-and-pine-bud version that will thrill your gourmet friends. Chocoholics will love the dozen sublime concoctions to spoon over ice cream—or fingers.

Once hidden behind an unmarked door known only to chefs and aficionados, virtuoso chocolatier-patissier Jacques Genin opened his Marais boutique a few years back to euphoric reviews. Renowned for their delicately perfumed ganaches made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the chocolates are handmade daily on the premises, along with velvety caramels, fruit patés, and Genin's masterful take on the classic French pastries—the Paris Brest, éclair, and a heavenly (award-winning) mille-feuille. Beautiful magnetic tins make the chocolates, which last up to three weeks, easy to transport and beautiful to offer.

Insider Tip: Everything can be sampled in the boutique's elegant modern tearoom.

One of Paris's oldest wine stores, Caves Auge is also its most atmospheric. Crammed floor to ceiling with examples of the best wines France has to offer, along with a choice selection of French cognacs and Armagnac, it's a wine lover's paradise. A knowledgeable, English-speaking staff and handsome gift boxes with the store's insignia make gift shopping a breeze. And if you're very lucky you'll meet tout Paris at one of the famous wine tastings, set out on huge wine barrels on the front sidewalk on Saturdays in the fall and spring (check online for schedule).

Insider Tip: Augé's fall Champagne degustations are the toast of the town, where you can sample small-producer bubbles that can't be found stateside, along with the expensive grand marques. If you can't make it, all the Champagnes are stocked in the store.

If time is short and your gift list long, head over to La Grand Epicerie, Paris's largest gourmet grocery (conveniently attached to the elegant Bon Marché department store). The store's dizzying array of everything from gourmet teas to fresh foie gras has something for everyone. Easily navigable departments include chocolate and candies, coffee and tea, spices, confitures, patés, cheeses, a superb wine shop, get the picture?

Insider Tip: It's a one-stop shop for picnic food or lunch on the fly. Freshly prepared salads, dozens of sandwiches, paninis, cut fruit, specialty dishes, and bottled drinks are conveniently packaged and ready to go.

For up-to-the-minute restaurant and hotel recommendations, as well as the best planning advice, check out our Paris Travel Guide.

Photo credits: Le Bonbon au Palais courtesy of Jennifer Ladonne; Meert courtesy of Meert; Caves Auges via Flickr/Josh Clark; Eclairs via Flickr/roboppy

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Where to go Glamping Across the U.S.

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For travelers who love nature but don't want to forgo their daily luxuries, glamping (a.k.a. glamorous camping) is hotter than ever. From exotic and generously outfitted yurts to plush canvas tents, glamorous campers have choices across the globe. But the last few years have seen ample opportunities spring up throughout the U.S., giving the glamorous among us plenty of options closer to home. Here are our six picks for a summer of glamping. –By Bee-Shyuan Chang

Greenough, Montana

With 2-3 bedroom fully furnished tents that are cleaned twice daily, the experience at The Resort at Paws Up is more like that of a fabulous safari with the prices to match. (From $1,025, including airport and on-property transportation.)

Why Go: It's the last word in luxury camping–you'll find the kind of luxe niceties you might see in a Ralph Lauren ad.

Insider Tip: Try your hand at fly-fishing in Blackfoot River before indulging at the resort's gourmet dining pavilion. Or on a budget? If you're in the area, you can glamp anywhere with a new service by American Campfitters, who will deliver and set-up your own little "base camp" in a place of your choosing. ($185 for delivery and set-up; $60 per additional night.)

Pescadero, California

The Real Housewives of Orange County recently stopped at El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara for a sniping, back-stabbing glamping vacation, but for a calmer Northern California escape, try Costa Noa's relaxed setting near Pescadero Beach. (From $89/night, including free WiFi access.)

Why Go: It's a great spot for surfers and mountain bikers alike. Plus, it's off the beaten track but close enough for a side trip to Santa Cruz or San Francisco.

Insider Tip: Keep the kids busy with the scheduled activities they offer sprinkled throughout the week. Meanwhile, treat yourself to a massage at the spa. If you live in the Santa Cruz or Half Moon areas, you get 15% spa services from Sunday through Thursday.

Dolores, Colorado

Across the mountain from Telluride and nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton is a former ghost town is literally alive and blooming with lush mountain flowers and foliage. . And while Dunton Hot Springs's rates may be steep, the accommodations are all-inclusive and the location is truly idyllic. (From $950-$1,500/night)

Why Go: It's tough to beat the retreat feel of this intimate resort: it'll just be you and a few other log cabins with access to world-class hiking. And this summer, the property has branched out into luxury camping, first with "Christy's Tent," constructed of canvas and reclaimed materials.

Insider Tip: Locavores will love the mostly organic and regionally sourced menu. Ask the kitchen to pack you a picnic (custom menus are available) to take with you on longer day excursions.

West Yellowstone, Montana

Comfortable camping is also a good way to explore a national park like Yellowstone, and new services are pitching tent each season, including the literally-named Yellowstone Under Canvas. (Tipi styles from $89 per night; adjacent children's tipi an additional $59/night)

Why Go: The sheer proximity to the park means that you can get all your adventures in without committing to an extended stay. You can also organize an activity package, like fly fishing and hiking, or a group trip through the company.

Insider Tip: Compared to other glamping options, this venue is more down-to-earth. Some tents share bathrooms so be sure to reserve a deluxe tent with private facilities if that's not your thing.

Ellijay, Georgia

Just down the road from the Blue Ridge Mountains and set on 18 acres, The Martyn House is a petite place that blends Southern charm with a back-to-nature philosophy. Artsy couple JoAnn and Rick (and a couple of cheerful labs) created the escape as part of their art and photography forays, so the mood is more laidback than all-out glamour. (Tent rates from $180 a night.)

Why Go: The spot is ideal for those that like limited doses of nature: a couple towns, including Blue Ridge, with a lively local scene, are nearby. Note: the property is adults only, meaning only guests 18 and over are allowed.

Insider Tip: While visiting Blue Ridge, stop by The Trailer Diner (2691 E. 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706)-964-3444), a local institution across the street from the drive-in theater, for piping hot buttery biscuits and a tall glass of sweet tea.

A close cousin to the tent, yurts are round domed domiciles that have come a long way since their Mongolian origins. These days, luxury yurts are dotting the landscape from ones you can find on vacation rental sites like VRBO.com to more established resorts. Oregon State is on top of the trend and has incorporated yurts (and rustic cabins) into their parks reservation system.

Why Go: Conveniently, you can pick your location, including some splendid beach spots, and reserve online. Best of all, the rates ($35-$41 a night) are spectacular for tight wallets. You'll, however, have to bring your own bedding and dishes.

Insider Tip: The system is also pet-friendly so you can bring Fido along for an additional $10 a night.

Photo Credits: The Resort at Paws Up: Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up; Costanoa: Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge; Dunton Hot Springs: Courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs; Yellowstone Under Canvas:Courtesy of Yellowstone Under Canvas; The Martyn House: Courtesy of The Martyn House; Oregon State's Yurts: A Yurt in Oregon's Sand Dunes campground by Kyle PearceAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License

 

Where to go Glamping Across the U.S.

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota
For travelers who love nature but don't want to forgo their daily luxuries, glamping (a.k.a. glamorous camping) is hotter than ever. From exotic and generously outfitted yurts to plush canvas tents, glamorous campers have choices across the globe. But the last few years have seen ample opportunities spring up throughout the U.S., giving the glamorous among us plenty of options closer to home. Here are our six picks for a summer of glamping. –By Bee-Shyuan Chang














Greenough, Montana
With 2-3 bedroom fully furnished tents that are cleaned twice daily, the experience at The Resort at Paws Up is more like that of a fabulous safari with the prices to match. (From $1,025, including airport and on-property transportation.)
Why Go: It's the last word in luxury camping–you'll find the kind of luxe niceties you might see in a Ralph Lauren ad.
Insider Tip: Try your hand at fly-fishing in Blackfoot River before indulging at the resort's gourmet dining pavilion. Or on a budget? If you're in the area, you can glamp anywhere with a new service by American Campfitters, who will deliver and set-up your own little "base camp" in a place of your choosing. ($185 for delivery and set-up; $60 per additional night.)










Pescadero, California
The Real Housewives of Orange County recently stopped at El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara for a sniping, back-stabbing glamping vacation, but for a calmer Northern California escape, try Costa Noa's relaxed setting near Pescadero Beach. (From $89/night, including free WiFi access.)
Why Go: It's a great spot for surfers and mountain bikers alike. Plus, it's off the beaten track but close enough for a side trip to Santa Cruz or San Francisco.
Insider Tip: Keep the kids busy with the scheduled activities they offer sprinkled throughout the week. Meanwhile, treat yourself to a massage at the spa. If you live in the Santa Cruz or Half Moon areas, you get 15% spa services from Sunday through Thursday.








Dolores, Colorado
Across the mountain from Telluride and nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton is a former ghost town is literally alive and blooming with lush mountain flowers and foliage. . And while Dunton Hot Springs's rates may be steep, the accommodations are all-inclusive and the location is truly idyllic. (From $950-$1,500/night)
Why Go: It's tough to beat the retreat feel of this intimate resort: it'll just be you and a few other log cabins with access to world-class hiking. And this summer, the property has branched out into luxury camping, first with "Christy's Tent," constructed of canvas and reclaimed materials.
Insider Tip: Locavores will love the mostly organic and regionally sourced menu. Ask the kitchen to pack you a picnic (custom menus are available) to take with you on longer day excursions.













West Yellowstone, Montana
Comfortable camping is also a good way to explore a national park like Yellowstone, and new services are pitching tent each season, including the literally-named Yellowstone Under Canvas. (Tipi styles from $89 per night; adjacent children's tipi an additional $59/night)
Why Go: The sheer proximity to the park means that you can get all your adventures in without committing to an extended stay. You can also organize an activity package, like fly fishing and hiking, or a group trip through the company.
Insider Tip: Compared to other glamping options, this venue is more down-to-earth. Some tents share bathrooms so be sure to reserve a deluxe tent with private facilities if that's not your thing.














Ellijay, Georgia
Just down the road from the Blue Ridge Mountains and set on 18 acres, The Martyn House is a petite place that blends Southern charm with a back-to-nature philosophy. Artsy couple JoAnn and Rick (and a couple of cheerful labs) created the escape as part of their art and photography forays, so the mood is more laidback than all-out glamour. (Tent rates from $180 a night.)
Why Go: The spot is ideal for those that like limited doses of nature: a couple towns, including Blue Ridge, with a lively local scene, are nearby. Note: the property is adults only, meaning only guests 18 and over are allowed.
Insider Tip: While visiting Blue Ridge, stop by The Trailer Diner (2691 E. 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706)-964-3444), a local institution across the street from the drive-in theater, for piping hot buttery biscuits and a tall glass of sweet tea.










A close cousin to the tent, yurts are round domed domiciles that have come a long way since their Mongolian origins. These days, luxury yurts are dotting the landscape from ones you can find on vacation rental sites like VRBO.com to more established resorts. Oregon State is on top of the trend and has incorporated yurts (and rustic cabins) into their parks reservation system.

Brett Tollman and the Travel Corporation - Where Details Make the Difference

The ability to successfully carve out a niche is one of the golden objectives of any business organization. Pure originality is a lovely idea, but it's mostly fairytale, a chimera. Every business idea has already been taken - but how an idea is implemented, creates the opportunity for an original statement. To be able to delight and make memorable an environment or experience is something that is not commonplace, whether it's selling a coffee, an airline, or a hamburger. The successful companies, like Apple, have everyone running around them trying to figure out what their secret recipe is; they aren't the only computer company out there, but they are the only one creating fans. They provide a lovely retail experience, with admirable products, and a strong brand identity - a very simple recipe on paper, but harder to achieve than it looks.

Brett Tollman is the President and CEO of The Travel Corporation, a collection of select, luxury hotels and travel services; a company, much like Apple, offering that rarest of rare things - an attention to detail and commitment to the customer experience that only the best businesses have. What sets the twelve boutique hotels in the Red Carnation collection apart, is their individual sense and celebration of location - this is because TTC acquires (often exquisite) pre-existing buildings, which gives them a unique feel, whilst retaining the five-star-ethos intrinsic to the brand. In a recent interview for a travel show, Tollman was asked, "What is your strategy for growing the brand?" to which he replied with refreshing candor, "There really hasn't been one - it's always been about finding the right place, and the feeling that the location has a certain impact; a place that offers a unique and special experience."

And indeed they do. Although there are just one dozen Red Carnation Hotels around the world, it's refreshing to see that they reject the prefabricated, homogeneity often associated with other successful brands. 'Intuitive acquisitions' are just a part of the entire Red Carnation experience, though.

The other main ingredient is the glorious attention to detail, done with a natural sense of elan, illuminating the fact that TTC can't possibly be newcomers to the industry. Such style takes cultivation and experience. "I'm a third generation hotelier...so it's in my blood." It's true, Tollman comes from an illustrious line that sees his mother, Beatrice, personally involved with the decor of all of the hotels, giving them an eclectic elegance that varies from location to location - be it Durban, Geneva, the U.S. or London. In fact, Beatrice Tollman goes so far as to personally select the Christmas gifts for the almost 2,000 employees of Red Carnation Hotels every year, making the family maxim: "Happy employees, make happy guests," more than just lip service. It's true dedication to an ideal. But don't just take my word for it.

The awards and accolades achieved by The Red Carnation Collection in recent years are numerous enough to fill a book, literally a weighty dossier of industry appreciation and glowing reviews. Quotes in the press abound from such luminaries as Architectural Digest (describing The Milestone Hotel as "One of the best in the world"), multiple No.1 rankings form Conde Nast Traveller, Travel and Leisure Magazine (Bushmans Kloof, Cape Town, voted "Best Hotel In The World"), The Culinary Guide, and The New York Times. Wherever the location, Red Carnation makes good on its ethos of 'No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small.'

How refreshing to see an organization deliver on its promises; in such an inundated market as the travel industry, to stand out from the multitudes, with such a strong belief in the holism of the brand, is truly admirable. And the customers feel it. The difference, one could say, is in the details.

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Where I get the news

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