The Epicurean

a 3-day discovery of the gourmet delights of Paris

Join us for an intimate experience discovering some of what makes Paris the gourmet capital of the world. Not only will you taste savory and sweet delights, but you will experience creating some of your own in private hands-on workshops. And what would a French gourmet’s experience be without wine and cheese?  You will taste great wines and champagnes, guided by a master sommelier, and learn how to pair them with France’s unparalleled array of artisanal cheeses and more. From outdoor markets and specialty food shops to wine caves and restaurants frequented by locals, you will meet and learn from French culinary and wine experts as well as traditional artisans during an incomparable gourmet escapade in the City of Light. Please do understand that our addresses have to remain secret… You will stay in an hotel (4**** or similar) in the center of Paris (St Germain Quarter). See “Accommodations” in above menu.

Tour starts on Tuesday or Wednesday (only) and ends on Thursday or Friday consequently.

Day 1: Tuesday (or Wednesday)

• Café croissant in St Germain-des-prés

• Visit to 18th century wine cellar for a champagne and wine tasting accompanied by delectable French specialties

Café Croissant in St Germain-des-prés

The best of bakery:

“In staying true to its founding principles—making high quality bread for all—and in creatively joining the arts of living well and eating well, Poilâne has flourished, offering its savoir-faire across France and all over the world. At Poilâne, we use only carefully selected stone-ground local grains, and follow an ancestral slow fermentation technique with our natural sourdough leaven. We take our duties as bakers seriously: each handmade batch showcases our passion for transforming nutrient-rich grains through fermentation to create healthy breads with unique tastes.” L. Poilâne

Private champagne and wine tasting for Lunch time

Visit an 18th century wine cellar whose proprietor is known as more than just a wine merchant, but as a veritable counselor for wine.

He strives to match the personality of his clientele to the character of the wine.

He has worked in both the old and new worlds, becoming a master of pairing wine with food. During this special lunch, you will taste champagnes and wines accompanied by French gastronomic specialties. 

Chocolate Museum: tasting time with chocolates around the world

Food of the Gods, chocolate regales us in all its forms ...

The private visit of the Chocolate Museum of Paris is a torment of greediness. Objects of several centuries tell us the epic of this unparalleled food. The guided tour will end with a chocolate lesson, a workshop where everyone will make their own bites ... to eat on the spot or take away.

Diner at one-star Michelin restaurant

Michelin reviewers (commonly called "inspectors") are completely anonymous; they do not identify themselves, and their meals and expenses are paid for by the company founded by the Michelin brothers, never by a restaurant being reviewed. In 2009 The New Yorker said: "Michelin has gone to extraordinary lengths to maintain the anonymity of its inspectors. Many of the company's top executives have never met an inspector; inspectors themselves are advised not to disclose their line of work, even to their parents (who might be tempted to boast about it); and, in all the years that it has been putting out the guide, Michelin has refused to allow its inspectors to speak to journalists. The inspectors write reports that are distilled, in annual "stars meetings" at the guide's various national offices, into the ranking of three stars, two stars, or one star—or no stars. (Establishments that Michelin deems unworthy of a visit are not included in the guide.)"

Back to your hotel

We have selected for you two hotels right in the center of Paris on the left bank of the Seine river in the so famous Quartier Saint Germain with its lively nightlife. More about hotel in “accommodation” in above menu.

Day 2: Wednesday (or Thursday)

• Coffee time at Angelina’s

• Cheese tasting and wine pairing in a traditional “fromagerie”

Experience a delicious coffee/tea/chocolate time at Angelina’s

 Skip your breakfast at the hotel and come to Angelina’s!

“For now over a century, Angelina has been the favorite meeting place of Parisian gourmets.. Enjoy the iconic and delicious Angelina’s Hot Chocolate or the Angelina’s Pastries Collections, and among them the famous Mont Blanc. Proust and Coco Chanel rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in fashion in Angelina's salons. The interior, designed by the famous Belle Epoque architect Edouard-Jean Niermans, combines elegance, charm and refinement to create a sense of romanticism and poetry. Angelina is a tranquil, exquisite space, somewhere between serenity and indulgence” Angelina

 Cheese tasting & wine pairing at its best

Visit a fromagerie (French cheese shop).

In an old cellar, you will learn about the different families of cheeses – Camembert, Roquefort, Chevre, etc. – their regions, tastes, terroir, raw vs. pasteurized milks, and aging techniques. You will learn how to taste cheese and how to pair them with the correct wines. Breads, deli and fruits will accompany your cheese tasting all along.

You will hosted by two passionate professionals about gastronomy, in a meeting and convivial place, where you will find everything you need to have a good time while treating yourself. They offer you the product of their meetings with passionate and fascinating producers and winemakers of France.

Shopping in Paris’ specialty professional culinary shops

Wander the Paris quarter famous for its huge number of professional culinary equipment and supply shops. Here you may find that perfect piece of cookware, authentic tool or secret ingredient to help bring your new skills and knowledge home to your kitchen.

 Dinner in a medieval quarter of Paris

Nestled in a corner of an old medieval quarter of Paris on a street that dates from the early 1200's is a warm and lively bistro serving regional cuisine made from the finest products. You are welcomed by the husband and wife team and quickly become immersed in the atmosphere here. Choose your wine from the chalkboard and partake in the fresh and inventive daily fare. You will quickly see why this place is a favorite of the locals who come often to forget their worries amongst the pure joy emanating from the place.

Day 3: Thursday (or Friday)

• Guided visit of one of Paris’s famous outdoor markets

• Lunch in neighborhood wine bar

Guided visit of one of Paris’s famous outdoor markets

Visit one of Paris’ fabulous food markets – either in one of its traditional covered halls or in the open air. Wander the cornucopia of stands where the purveyors of the freshest fruits and vegetables hawk their wares alongside butchers, fishmongers and bakers. These markets happen to be about more than just food, as important as this is, they are also central to the life of each neighborhood and preserve a community and a way of eating that is fast disappearing in many parts of the world. 

 Lunch in a neighborhood wine bar

We’ve selected a lively wine bar that locals try to guard as their own secret. The welcoming owner is passionate about sharing his eclectic collection of wines -  many are organic from small winemakers all over France. Served alongside platters of homemade pates, charcuterie and salads, the atmosphere invites discovery and most of all fun.

Discover and experience the best of French Pastries

Pastry was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. French pastry is the undisputed reference throughout the world. Its creativity and diversity make it an essential element of the gastronomy of this country. Its light and not too sweet recipes always amaze and treat us. A pastry tasting session will allow you to discover 5 great classics of French pastry, made by renowned professionals. A sparkling wine will accompany this unforgettable moment of greediness.

Among all French pastries, you will taste “millefeuilles”, …

 Dinner at a 1* star Michelin restaurant

First published in 1900 by the Michelin tire company as a guide to help French motorists find lodging on the road, the Michelin Guide is now exclusively devoted to fine dining. Over the decades, the guide has far surpassed its humble origins to become an almost-sacred tome to chefs, foodies, culinary experts and the restaurants who regard the guide as the final word in fine dining.

Michelin reviewers (commonly called "inspectors") are completely anonymous; they do not identify themselves, and their meals and expenses are paid for by the company founded by the Michelin brothers, never by a restaurant being reviewed.