I always like to shop in Paris. I shop for pretty much everything, clothing, shoes, leather goods, art, home decor, you name it. However, there a few essential items that I go out of my way to bring home every trip and I will dedicate an entire day if I have to to grabbing these items. I usually don’t have to dedicate too much time because I can usually pick it up as I go along.
My Must Buy Items
Maison de la Truffe Products
Fun fact, I hate mushrooms with the exception of truffles. But I looooooove all things truffle; the oil, shavings, cheese with truffle, the list goes on. I always bring back Maison de la Truffe products. I usually go to their little cafe (not the restaurant) and grab a sandwich and buy goodies to bring home, including:
- Black Truffle Oil
- Tartufata de Truffe
- Spicy Truffle Oil
- Truffle Salt
The Tartufata makes the best pizza. Use it as the pizza sauce and top with fresh mozzarella and truffle shavings when it comes out of the oven sprinkle on the spicy truffle oil. Mouthwatering.
Maille Moutard
Around the corner from Maison de la Truffe is Maille. The best mustard I have ever had. Another fun fact I dislike traditional American mustard. Refused to try French mustard the first few times I went to France. I was finally convinced by my sister to try Maille, at their boutique in Paris, and it was love at first taste. The Maille store in Paris has mustard (or moutard in French) on tap. The mustards on tap usually are not available pre jarred and are only available for purchase in the boutique. The first time you get a moutard on tape you buy a ceramic moutard jar with a cork. This ceramic jar is refillable on your next trip.
I have two ceramic jars that I bring for filling. I am usually out of both by the time I return, but if not, I transfer what is left to another container so I can get both filled. Maille always has a truffle moutard on tap and usually a limited edition or two. I always fill one container with truffle mustard and the other usually with the limited flavor. Last year the special flavor was truffle and smoked whiskey. It was delicious. I don’t see it on their website (you have to look on the french site) right now. It looks like the current special edition is truffle and parmesan. I am really hoping the smoked whiskey is still available.
Butter
By far French butter is the best butter I have had. Butter is generally better in europe as a whole because it is creamier as a result of the higher fat content, but thus far, no one does butter like the french. I always pack at least one big freezer zip lock for bringing butter back. I usually stay in an airbnb so I have access to a freezer and I buy the butter early so I can freeze it early. Freezing the butter early allows it to hit maximum chill and by the time I unpack at home the butter is still cold. Using this method I usually get three or four blocks of butter home. Not enough to last a year but enough to bring me some joy for a few months after the trip.
Macarons
I like to make a stop and grab macarons as soon as I land and right before I leave. If I have an afternoon flight I grab a box right before my flight if not I will grab them the night before. Macarons have a short optimal life but buying a box before getting on the plane means I have at least a day to enjoy them back home, extending my vacation a little.
I am always looking for the best macaron and there are many small shops out there that are amazing. However, it is hard to go wrong with Pierre Hermé. Unlike Ladurée, Pierre Hermé macarons are still made in France (but not in Paris).
Skincare
I think everyone knows that France is renown for its skincare. Pretty much all of the products can be found in the US or shipped. However, the most loved brands are generally cheaper in France and are easily found in the pharmacies. I love La Roche Posay facial sunscreen. This is available in the US as well but it is difficult to find and it is about 2/3 the price in France. Same with Caudalie. I bring home Caudalie vinoperfect serum on my trips. I will usually pick up a random product as well just to try something new.
What You Should Buy In Paris
There are soooo many great things to bring back from Paris. The above are some of my regular purchases and I definitely recommend them but everyone’s tastes vary. At a minimum I encourage you to check out some of these stores see if you are interested in anything they offer. Enjoy your next trip!