Guess I'm a bit of a snob for Tuscan olive oil. Where can I purchase great olive oil in Paris? And I mean great!

Now that you mention it, I think olive oil in Paris (as well as anywhere else I've been in France) is TERRIBLE! Tastes like motor oil!!! The only place I had good olive oil was at Ponte Vecchio de Notre Dame, a small Italian Bistro across from Notre Dame. (wonderful food and service by the way, with a decidedly French view)

O&Co. has a shop on Ile ST. LOuis with numerous olive oils--perhaps Tuscan.

Here's a shop that specializes in oil: A L'Olivier, 23 rue de Rivoli<BR><BR>Why so you want to buy Italian olive oil in Paris, though? I wouldn't think it would be cheaper than in the US and what a pain to carry it back.

Sorry for saying cheaper than the US, if you aren't (although that's my opinion for most things that aren't native to the country you are visiting), your name and email address sounded American.

The best countries to buy olive oil in are countries that grow olives. France is known for its grapes. You could probably buy decent balsamic vinegar in France, but I would still buy that in Italy. If you want to buy olive oil, buy it in Italy, Spain or Greece.<BR><BR>Otherwise buy it in the US. If you have a Trader Joe's in the state that you live, it is a wonderful gourmet supermarket, and carries about 30 different brands of olive oil.

oops, I can see where I wrote too quickly & therefore need to clarify. I am a snob for Italian oil, meaning I loooooove it. And was hoping to find some equal quality oil in Paris; not necessarily Italian. Just that great quality. But I see my hunch was correct. The Italians are THE masters. Then again, I haven't had Greek or Spanish in ages.<BR><BR>I am a fan of Trader Joe's for tofu, eggs, milk, etc. But thier highest quality extra virgin pales pales pales in comparison to what I've bought in Tuscany. Not even close. That stuff was divine. Guess I'll have to head back to ITaly.<BR><BR>For those of you who have purchased from O&Co., and A L'Olivier, what do you think?<BR><BR>Thanks all for your suggestions & comments. It always helps!

Foodie, Going to Italy would always be my number one choice. But my number two choice would be: http://www.napastyle.com/store/categ...ategory_id=207

France is one of the leading countries for GREAT olive oil equal to Tuscany.<BR>The Olive is one of the major products in the south of France.It remains one of their symbols, gracing tablecloths, pottery and many other items.

Plaignol, made in France, is one of the best olive oils I've ever tasted. My great grand aunt, who was a great cook, and of an Italian ancestry, often used it to prepare the ragu, or any other Italian sauce. By then, there wasn't such a broad choice of extra virgin oils imported from Italy in Brazil. This was 30 years ago, but I don't believe the quality of the product has changed meanwhile. There's still Plaignol oil available to be bought here, but is much me expensive than, for example, Bertolli.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>S

I must agree with the Chef. And O&Co does have very good oils from all over and usually have table setups so you can taste. Also a large selection Hediards<BR>can be found at Hediards.If you live in a city that has an O&co as I do here in Boston, you should check prices.

If you are in the 6th Arr., there is a olive oil shop on the Rue D'Buci. It is a small street of Blvd. St. Germain, about a block from Cafe Des Duex Magots,

AW, such good suggestions. Now I don't have to go to Italy? But I wanted too! <BR><BR>Thank you for all the great options and tips! Surlok, loved the story about your great aunt!

Head to La Grande Epicerie Paris at Le Bon Marche. Per their website they carry over 80 different varieties of olive oil. I would highly recommend a product from Nice. It's a delicious olive oil from Nicolas Alziari...you'll find it in a blue and yellow can. I always carry home several cans. It makes a great gift for a special friend.

The Nicolas Alziari brand is sold at La Grande Epicerie Paris.

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