Maison Brémond 1830: A Taste of Provence in Paris

Maison Brémond 1830 is a gourmet food brand founded in 1830 in Provence, in the south of France, and it carries on a tradition of craftsmanship as one of the country's best-known fine-food shops. The shelves hold hand-picked olive oils, basil pesto, balsamic vinegar, truffle salt, jams, nuts, creams and old-fashioned sweets, all with that southern French character. Best of all, tasting is free. You can sample olive oils and balsamic vinegar, plus tapenade, a salty, intensely savory paste made by blending olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. Working your way through fresh olive oil and umami-rich bites, it feels a bit like a trip to the south of France. Every product is made with sustainably produced ingredients, and the brand works with local Provençal artisans, supporting the regional economy.

Provence, where the brand began, is known for abundant sunshine, a mild climate, lavender fields and Mediterranean crops. Its warm, dry summers are ideal for growing herbs, olives and grapes, and past Roman, Greek and Arab influences shaped its cooking, spices and farming techniques. With sea, mountains and high plateaus all within reach, the range of ingredients is wide.

Olive oil is the region's signature product. Slow-cook tomatoes, aubergine, zucchini and peppers in that delicate, fragrant oil and you get ratatouille, Provence's classic vegetable stew. The region is also rich in wild herbs, and blends of native thyme, rosemary and oregano are sold as Herbes de Provence. Added at the end of cooking, they give a dish the flavor of a Mediterranean village kitchen, which makes them a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. You don't have to buy them here, either: supermarkets sell them for around €4 to €5.

Lavender products are famous too, sold as dried flowers, perfume, honey, essential oil and more. If you get the chance, give them a sniff. Lavender grown at altitude is said to have antibacterial and calming properties. Our guide was given a homemade lavender oil by a French friend and says rubbing a little behind the ears before bed helps her sleep.

Next up is a shop where you can taste Chartreuse, one of France's best-known liqueurs. Leave Maison Brémond and head left to the main road, then turn left again. About ten seconds on, you'll see the dark green shopfront of the Chartreuse specialist.