I heard there was a specific neighborhood that sold lots of culinary tools and items. Does anyone have any info on this area?

Sorry, but I can't help you with your request. <BR> <BR>However, since I'm assuming that you're from the States (since this is primarily a US forum), I can't imagine that there's anything you could buy in Paris that you can't buy at home. <BR> <BR>... and it will probably be cheaper!!

Hi Kale, <BR> <BR>I don't know about a neighborhood but I do know a great store---E. Dehillerin, 18-20 Rue Coquilliere, Metro: Les Halles. They have everything you could ever want for a kitchen and it is very good quality and very good prices. <BR> <BR>I bought a copper saucepan for about half of what I would have paid in the US. And, it's a great souvenir. <BR> <BR>The clerks speak English and are happy to help you. They also ship. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR>Sandy

Actually the poster is correct in recalling a specific neighborhood that sells culinary tools. Les Halles, the original site of the Paris wholesale market from the middles ages until 1969, is the place you're thinking about. It has been equiping chefs since 1820 and has some great deals that you wouldn't find in the U.S. They have a terrific selection of copper pans and Le Creuset enamaled cast-iron casseroles. As a chef I've found many wonderful treasures in Paris that I haven't been able to find in the states! Good luck!

Jean: I stand corrected and I'm happy to be so! It sounds like a fantastic place which I now plan to visit very shortly! <BR> <BR>Alas, it will do nothing for my waistline!

There are quite a few good kitchenware shops in some other parts of Paris, also (also Les Halles may have the most), such as in the 6th and 14th arrondisements, and well as the BHV dept store. If you really plan to do much of any specialized shopping for this kind of thing, I'd recommend you get Patricia Wells' book, the Food Lover's Guide to Paris; it's well worth the cost as it includes restaurant and cafe reviews, some recipes, as well as pretty detailed lists and descriptions of these stores.

Kitchen Stuff <BR> <BR>Here are some. The first three are right near each other. For more Paris information e-mail me – [email protected] <BR> <BR>A. Simon <BR>36, rue Etienne Marcel (at rue Montmartre) <BR>75002 - 01-42-33-71-65 <BR> <BR>La Bovida <BR>36, rue Montmartre <BR>75001 - 01-42-36-09-99 <BR> <BR>Mora <BR>4, rue Petites Ecuries <BR>75010 - 01 40 22 93 86 <BR> <BR>Dehillerin <BR>18-20 rue Coquillier <BR>75001 - 01-42-36-53-13 <BR> <BR>Atelierdu Cuivre <BR>Viaduct des Arts, 113 ave Daumesnil <BR>75012 - 01-43-40-20-20 <BR> <BR>Laura Japy <BR>34-36 rue de Bac <BR>75007 - 01-42-86-96-97 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

topping

Ther are lots of culinary shops along rue Montmarte--M.O.R.A. at #13 , A.simon at 48-52, and many others..I spent a whole afternoon there and came away with lots of goodies you never see here. prices were very good too! Neat place for lunch too.. we liked Lizard!

Laure Japy, mentioned above, on rue de Bac, has lovely table top items also. For linens, go to Diners En Ville, corner rue de Varenne and rue de Bac.

We have purchased copperware from E. Dehillerin for many years. The price discount has slipped to about 60% recently. That is still a bargain vs anything available here, on-line or by catalog. (The copper is so thick we routinely pan fry steak en poivre for four over just one alcohol flame). Don't miss the silver-plate serving stands etc.

I second the vote for Dehillerin -- it is a great place. Staff is friendly and accustomed to tourists. Prices are good and you can find things there that are either difficult to find in the US or much more expensive. I was there in December and bought a great pain de mie pan and the most wonderful, flexible metal spatula. The basement is all copper -- rows and rows and great quality. Worth a detour for anyone with a passion for this stuff. By the way, there are many kitchen stores in the same neighborhood -- this one was my favorite.