Entre Les Murs

Rue de Versailles Market

Janet finds our neighbourhood market a little chaotic and claustrophobic, which it is. But it's still a shame because it grows more enjoyable the more I get to know the merchants that I habitually deal with, like the Irishman from whom I buy my yoghurt, and the smiley cheesemaker (below).

One trick I've learned is to go late, when they're getting ready to close (somehow this approach came rather naturally). Many of the stalls will set out, or bellow, special deals "pour finir" - to sell off things they don't want to put back in the truck. I went a little overboard today, picking up a couple of pounds of chicken legs and two free-range chickens for 20 euros; then got tempted by some lamb chops that will make us two good dinners for another 10 euros. I'm not even sure that these are especially good values; I just hate to pass up a deal.

posted 29.1.06