Hediard, Paris

3 more images

Having been charged with a shopping list from my one of my best friends, Sandye, and being unsuccessful in locating her desired Hédiard Passionfruit Pêche confiture at Le Grande Epicerie (in the Bon Marché), I was determined to obtain it for her that grey, dreary Monday in February. Actually, grey, dreary days seem to be the best time to shop. If you can't take wonderful exterior photos of Paris, why not just take interior photos?!?!!

My best friend is now gone from us, having passed away January 2007 so this a bittersweet tip for me to write. On one hand, I was happy to do her bidding & shopped like mad for her throughout Paris; on the other hand, I didn't expect her to leave this earth so soon & wished she could've traveled with me to Paris as we'd always dreamt. She was only in her mid-50s but she suffered from a bad heart having had 2 heart valve replacement surgeries; on top of that, the previous summer a meningioma was found on the base of her brain.

But back to the story: Sandye needed her confiture so I popped into Hédiard to procure it. In business since 1854 and very historic, this is a most fascinating shops with all of its wonderful red-hued wares: coffees, teas, mustards, honey, and confiture (only 7.50€ for 375g)! At the counter they were selling tiny 1 oz. jars of honey (Miel Gatinais & Miel d'Oranger) for .50€ so I picked up a couple in the flavors of Orange Flower and from the Gatinais region. How could one resist something so cute & inexpensive?

Upstairs is a wonderful restaurant, La Table d'Hédiard. See my restaurant tips if you'd like to learn more!

What to buy: Wine, chocolate, coffee, tea, mustard, honey, confiture (jam), fresh fruit, nuts - they have just EVERYTHING!

Open 9am-10pm Monday - Saturday

Photos: February 2006

What to pay: .50 euro for a mini jar of honey to hundreds of euros for bottles of wine! The selection is vast and has everything for any kind of taste or budget.

I adore the colour sceme and lay-out of this store.
Yes the prices are expensive, probably over rated, but not EVERYTHING is out of range...
And it's fun to look at all the treats!

What to buy: The little tins of teas are great gifts to bring back for friends,
also take a look at the canvas shopping bags!

What to pay: Tres Cher!

1 more image

Hediard is similar to Fauchon in terms of it being a high-end gourmet store. But it's more extensive in the offerings.

You can find tea, coffee, cookies, wine, fresh fruits, spices, caviar, salmon, etc. There is also some prepared food and desserts to take away.

Again the product presentation is first-rate here as at Fauchon.

What to buy: The cookies, tea, and preserves are quite good.

What to pay: Prices are on the expensive side.

The store is located in front of its competitor : Fauchon.
Both stores are the top of the quality (and dfor the prices).

What to buy: Though, Hediard sells grocery in general, its main speciality are the fruits and vegetables from the whole world.
When I worked in this district (see my general tip about Madeleine), every mornings I passed in front the store and I saw the employees putting the goods on the outdoor stalls. Each evening, when I went back home I saw the stalls empty. Everything was sold.

What to pay: Be prepared to pay.