Paris Information Needed
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Paris in May 09. We have rented an apartment from Vacations in Paris, we have rented #125 -
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_125.htm
My husband has sleep apnea and his machine requires distilled water. We will be able to bring enough for 1 or 2 nights, but I am looking for where we would be able to purchase more in Paris. Any help would be appreciated.
Additionally, as we will be in an apartment, we will be shopping in the street markets for meals. Any suggestions on the best market and on which days ? We will be in Paris from May 14 through May 27, 2009.

Distilled water is generally called "eau déminéralisée" in France. It is sold in the household products section of stores like Monoprix, for use in steam irons.

There is no "best market" in Paris. On the city of Paris website, you will find the days and times of all the street markets in Paris.

Paris has pharmacies near every major intersection. Any pharmacist will tell you where you get what you need. They are individual stores, not hidden inside a chain store like in the US. Look for the green crosses.

In case they do not speak English (and why should they?), write down the name kerouac gave you and show it to the pharmacist or grocer. I did that when I was in Paris and pregnant, and needed to buy a calcium supplement.

"Additionally, as we will be in an apartment, we will be shopping in the street markets for meals. Any suggestions on the best market and on which days ?"

Without wading into the question of what is "best", a couple of suggestions:

You will be within walking distance of Rue Montorgueil, a pedestrianized street full of specialty food shops. Just walk three long blocks north to Rue Étienne Marcel, then two blocks east to where Montorgueil intersects Étienne Marcel (you can see this on the map on the apartment web site). Daily, although some of the shops will probably be closed on Mondays.

You could also try the street market on Boul Richard Lenoir, which operates on Thursdays and Sundays. We have spent a few hours there over the years; it's a lively place, with a fine selection of food. You can get there very easily by métro line 1, just hop on at the Louvre-Rivoli stop and get off at Bastille.

You will actually find lots of good food shops within a short walk of your apartment, especially of you look on some of the smaller streets north of your apartment.

Anselm

Thank you Anselm for all your information - I appreciate it - it will make buying our meals easier

ANd if you really do not want to cook, look up the nearest PICARD. They have the most wonderful frozen entrees I have ever seen. ANd all the people in the store will be French , you really do not think they all cook after a long day at work. I wish I had a Picard nearby