Paris Épiceries Fines: A Local Guide From History to Today
When in Paris, grocery shopping is not just an errand -it’s an art form. And nowhere does this come to life more deliciously than in the épicerie fine, those gourmet grocery shops that balance everyday life with a sprinkle of indulgence. From their historic roots in the spice trade to today’s chic, modern hybrids, these stores are where Parisians and visitors alike go to stock up on the good stuff.
Earlier today, while wandering my Sunday market, I thought about how lucky we are to live in a city where, even on non-market days, we can still find exceptional quality everything. Then it hit me -many people may not be familiar with how central épiceries fines are to daily Parisian life. They’re crucial whether you’re a true gourmand, a foodie, or simply looking for a convenient stop for fresh produce and indulgent treats in your neighborhood.
A Short History of Épiceries Fines in France
The word épicerie comes from épices (spices). In medieval times, these shops sold exotic luxuries brought back from the East -cinnamon, pepper, dried fruits, and sugar, the gold dust of their day. Over time, the definition broadened: by the 18th and 19th centuries, épiceries fines were temples of delicacies, packed with teas, chocolates, conserves, jams, and coffee beans.
Two names changed the Paris landscape forever:
- Hédiard (now closed), founded in 1854, which began as a small spice and colonial goods counter and grew into a symbol of exotic and refined eating.
- Fauchon (still open), founded in 1886 near Place de la Madeleine, mastered the art of dazzling window displays, gifting tins, and luxurious Parisian taste -inspiring poems, novels, and pilgrimages from food lovers.
At the same time, the rise of the grand magasin (department store) brought food halls into popular imagination. Émile Zola even immortalized this in Au Bonheur des Dames (1883), with scenes of seductive food counters glowing under gaslight. Shopping itself became theater.
Today, it’s common to shop at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, La Grande Épicerie (part of Le Bon Marché), or Printemps for food. On the other hand, almost no locals buy their groceries at BHV Marais or La Samaritaine.
Who Shops at Paris Épiceries Fines Today?
Fast-forward to Paris 2025: épiceries fines are not dusty old shops for ladies in pearls. They’re for everyone who loves food -chefs, neighborhood locals, design-hungry tourists, gift-hunters, and yes, your favorite Paris guide who sneaks in between tours for a slice of cake and a good coffee.
Today’s categories include:
- Legacy luxury houses: still going strong, full of heritage and history.
- Chef spin-offs: Michelin-star kitchens bottling their sauces and jams.
- Neighborhood ecosystems: bakeries, butcheries, caves, and épiceries side by side.
- Ethical terroir collectives: direct from farmer to shop.
- Pro pastry supply caves: praline paste, candied fruits, and Valrhona chocolate by the kilo.
- International food halls: the Italianate temple of Eataly, for example.
- Hybrid café-grocers: buy a jar of olive oil, stay for soup and espresso (hello, Rayon).
In short: it’s as much about community and culture as it is about food.
The Best Épiceries Fines in Paris (2025 Edition)
Here’s your curated list of the 10 épiceries fines you need to know -mixing legends, newcomers, and insider favorites.
1) Julhès Paris -the friendly 10e empire
A true neighborhood empire. Since 1996, the Julhès family has built a string of shops along Faubourg Saint-Denis and Faubourg Saint-Martin: épicerie, bakery, wine cave, cheese counter, and even La Distillerie de Paris, the first legal distillery in the capital in a century. Expect charcuterie, cheeses, natural wines, roasted coffee, and a dose of Paris authenticity.
💡 Don’t know what to buy? The staff are friendly and always happy to suggest wine and cheese pairings.
📍 54 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis & 59 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010
2) La Grande Épicerie de Paris -the haute food hall
The mothership of gourmet groceries. Opened in 1923 as part of Le Bon Marché, today it’s a two-address powerhouse with more than 30,000 products. There’s a full bakery, patisserie, butcher, cheese cellars, wine cave, and gift-ready hampers. Perfect for foodie souvenirs or simply to get lost in.
💡 In the past few years, it’s become TikTok-famous as the place to buy salted French butter for traveling back home. And yes, it’s truly très bon!
📍 38 rue de Sèvres, 75007 & 80 rue de Passy, 75016
3) Causses -the everyday quality grocer
Billing itself as an “alimentation générale de qualité,” Causses feels like a modern épicerie designed for everyday good eating. Expect seasonal fruit and veg, direct-from-producer pantry goods, and a canteen serving salads, tartines, and fresh juices.
💡 Think of it as a small grocery store with exceptional products.
📍 222 rue Saint-Martin, 75003 & 55 rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, 75009
4) G. Detou -the baker’s paradise
The baker’s Aladdin’s cave. Open since 1951, the pun in its name (j’ai de tout -“I have everything”) is spot-on. This is where pastry chefs stock up: praline paste, candied fruits, gianduja, nuts, Valrhona chocolate, plus shelves of mustards and sauces.
💡 My son Pierre used to beg me to stop here -it was his favorite spot for baking ingredients, like vanilla salt I didn’t even know existed.
📍 58 rue Tiquetonne, 75002
5) Maison Plisson -the chic concept-store grocer
Opened in 2015 by Delphine Plisson, this “épicerie-concept store” became an instant hit. Expect beautiful displays of French dairy, charcuterie, produce, and pantry staples, alongside a chic café-restaurant for brunch or lunch.
💡 Think of it as Paris’s answer to Dean & Deluca (remember those?). It’s also perfectly placed for a lunch stop near Merci on boulevard Beaumarchais.
📍 93 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 & 35 place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001
6) Terroirs d’Avenir -the chef’s pantry
Founded in 2008 to connect chefs with small producers, this Rue du Nil cluster includes a butcher, fishmonger, produce shop, bakery, and épicerie. Everything is chef-grade quality but sold retail, so you can cook with the same butter or flour used at Michelin-star kitchens.
💡 When your favorite chef sets up an entire street of gourmet shops, you go! Thank you, Greg Marchand, and thank you Frenchie!
📍 3, 6, 7 & 8 rue du Nil, 75002
7) Taka & Vermo -artisan cheese with a twist
Cheese heaven, reimagined. Opened in 2015 by Laure Takahashi and Mathieu Vermorel, this bright, modern fromagerie highlights farmhouse producers and playful affinage. You might even spot a Saint-Nectaire infused with yuzu.
💡 Hands down the best mimolette in Paris.
📍 61 bis rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010
8) Eataly Paris Marais -the Italian temple
The Italian food temple landed in Paris in 2019, bringing three floors of mozzarella bars, fresh pasta counters, butcher, bakery, and multiple restaurants under one roof. Perfect for aperitivo, pantry staples (San Marzano tomatoes by the case), or gifts for Italophiles.
💡 Sure, you can find Eataly in other cities, but the selection of olive oils, mozzarella, and pistachio butter here is spectacular. Judge me if you must!
📍 37 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004
9) La Petite Épicerie de la Tour d’Argent -chefy classics to take home
Opened in 2020 beneath the Michelin-starred Tour d’Argent, this petite but mighty shop sells house sauces, terrines, vinegars, jams, and pastries.
💡 The cutest little shop you ever did see -attached to a Parisian legend.
📍 13 quai de la Tournelle, 75005
10) Rayon -the café-grocer hybrid
A modern darling. Opened in 2022, Rayon calls itself a “supérette de producteurs et café-cantine.” Translation: a small grocery filled with responsibly sourced, mostly organic goods, plus a bright café serving daily soups, sandwiches, salads, quiches, and homemade cakes.
💡 My guilty pleasure in Le Marais -the perfect pause between tours.
📍 22 rue de Rivoli / 15 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004
Handy One-Glance Addresses of Epicerie in Paris
- Julhès Paris -54 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis (75010) / 59 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin (75010)
- La Grande Épicerie de Paris -38 rue de Sèvres (75007) & 80 rue de Passy (75016)
- Causses -222 rue Saint-Martin (75003) & 55 rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (75009)
- G. Detou -58 rue Tiquetonne (75002)
- Maison Plisson -93 boulevard Beaumarchais (75003) & 35 place du Marché Saint-Honoré (75001)
- Terroirs d’Avenir -3, 6, 7 & 8 rue du Nil (75002)
- Taka & Vermo -61 bis rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis (75010)
- Eataly Paris Marais -37 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie (75004)
- La Petite Épicerie de la Tour d’Argent -13 quai de la Tournelle (75005)
- Rayon -22 rue de Rivoli / 15 rue du Roi de Sicile (75004)
How to Use an Épicerie Fine Like a Parisian
- Gift like a pro: tins of sardines, honey, madeleines, or elegant teas make chic, portable presents.
- Upgrade your picnic: olives, cheese, charcuterie, and wine from these shops will turn a park bench into a three-star meal.
- Cook at chef level: pick up the same olive oil or flour Paris’s top chefs use.
- Indulge in a pause: many now double as cafés or canteens -sit, sip, and recharge.
Notes from a Local
If the Paris café is where Parisians philosophize and flirt, then the épicerie fine is where they stock up on everyday joy. Whether you’re hunting down praline paste at G. Detou, tasting natural wines at Julhès, or grabbing a soup at Rayon, these shops show that food in Paris is more than fuel -it’s identity, artistry, and always a little bit of theatre.
A big part of life in Paris is everyday luxuries, and a stop at an épicerie fine always makes you feel just a bit more glamorous. So bring your tote bag, bring your appetite, and maybe bring a little restraint… because once you step inside, your pantry is about to put on lipstick.
💡 In English, an épicerie fine is best described as a gourmet grocery or specialty food store -but honestly, nothing captures the Parisian magic of those two French words.