Epicureans, Rejoice! The Dazzling Gourmet Hall at Galeries Lafayette

The gourmet hall of Galeries Lafayette has always been a hot spot for food-obsessed travelers (and locals looking for an inspired lunch or perfect gastronomic gift for a dinner party). But now—after moving into new digs last fall—Galeries Lafayette Gourmet has become the epicurean destination par excellence boasting the best of French gastronomy. Formerly housed in the same building as the men’s store, Lafayette Gourmet now occupies the building across the street—sharing space with home goods that showcase les arts de la table. What this means: Lafayette Gourmet is bigger and better than ever– a one-stop shop for serious gourmands. Sprawling across two floors, this gourmet emporium is stocked with some of the finest brands, like Petrossian caviar; Iberian Pata Negra ham from Cinco Jotas; a slew of treats from Fauchon; Comtesse du Barry; chocolates by Alain Ducasse, Valrhona and Jean-Paul Hévin; Maille mustards; Ferber preserves; Château d’Estoublon oils; teas by Kusmi, Dammann, and Mariage Frères. What’s more- you’ll find a fishmonger, boulangerie, stalls brimming with fruits and veggies, and a cheese shop just like a village marketplace. Tip: This is a great place to have lunch if you’re shopping in the legendary department store or strolling around the Opera/Grands Boulevards neighborhood of Paris. Choose between a number of eateries like Mavrommatis for Mediterranean specialties or Fish Point for oysters or grilled fish. Cap off your meal with an éclair, almost too pretty to eat, from celebrity pâtissier Christophe Adam, whose L’éclair de genie has been the talk of the town since it opened in December 2012. A big perk: duty-free shopping applies for non-EU residents, and home delivery is available. Lafayette Gourmet, 35 bd Haussmann, ground floor and lower ground floor of Lafayette Maison and Gourmet. Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm. Originally published on France Today