suzanne97

We would like to go to local markets and create our own wonderful picnics while we are in the Loire Valley and possibly also in Paris. Is this a rather simple task or will I need to plan where and when to get supplies? Do you buy wine in the same markets as food? (I feel really silly asking this but your help is greatly appreciated!)

RonZ

Perhaps if you post where you will be, someone will post local market info. Or you can find out at your hotel. There are also plenty of stores where you can do your shopping.

suzanne97

Thanks for the suggestion. In the Loire Valley we are staying at Domaine des Hauts-de-Loire in Onzain which is just outside of Blois. In Paris we are staying at New Orient Hotel which is near the Europe and Villiers metro stations.

ira

Hi S,

Your hotels will be able to tell you where and when the local markets are held.

elaine

In my checked luggage I always pack some paper plates and napkins, plastic utensils, and a corkscrew, for just such occasions, even if I'm only picnicking in my hotel room.

AnselmAdorne

Hi suzanne. You can assemble a wonderful picnic from everything you'll find at a market. If there is something that you want that you don't see at one of the stalls, you will usually find a specialty store nearby that sells it.

Wine might be one exception. I've walked through many markets in the south of France and have rarely seen a table selling wine. Don't despair, though, you can find local wines for sale in butchers shops or in small urban grocery stores, such as Casino or Champion.

In addition, if you have a car, you will find a greater variety of wine at the large "hypermarchés," such as Leclerc, Carrefour, or Auchan. Look for signs on the outskirts of urban areas for these larger stores. In a pinch, you can also get your other picnic items at these grocery stores. It won't be quite what you'd get at a market stall, but surprisingly good nonetheless.

Anselm

suze

It is simple. But you may need to go to a separate shop or store for the wine. As elaine, I pack a corkscrew and a couple sets of plastic silverware (or save them from the plane ride). Buy two wine glasses after arrival, optional.

Besides assembling from scratch (cheese, bread, meats, fruit) some open air markets may have prepared food for sale (roast chicken, cheese pies, etc.). In Paris there are excellent ready made sandwiches at some of the bakeries. I use an inexpensive canvas tote bag often found at grocery stores for carry this all around.

Definitely ask at your hotel because some farmers markets may only be held certain hours and days of the week (i.e., Tues AM 9-noon only).

Travelnut

Your Paris hotel is near the market street rue de Levis by Metro: Villiers.
There is a MOnoprix there, also the usual wine store, cheese store, produce stand, etc.

suzanne97

Thank you all for the great information!

suze

I also usually pick up two printed dishtowels or cloth napkins of some sort. Very handy then makes a great souvenier.

Guenmai

When I travel anywhere in the world, I always pack those sturdy,plastic,camping knives/forks/spoons and a sturdy plastic cup and a few paper cups,too. I also pack a bread knife in my check-in luggage. What I do with the paper towels is tear them off the roll...into individual towels... and then fold them and put them in zip-lock plastic bags. Then when I'm ready to pack, I just toss in the zip-lock,plastic bags of paper towels. They really come in handy. Happy Travels!