Markets

So much has changed in the way fresh food is provided to consumers in the U.S.  Global supply chains provide fresh food year round, regardless of whether or not it's the appropriate growing time in the locale in which the food is sold.  Efforts are underway to encourage people to not only buy fresh food, but to buy local food.  Seasonal farmers markets can be found most places.

In the parts of France I visited, the scene was somewhat different.  Although I found supermarkets selling a breadth of products, they weren't very large - definitely not the "mega" stores we have in the U.S. that sell everything from lettuce to automobile tires.  Most interesting and inviting to me, however, were the small, local markets - the bakeries; butcher, vegetable, cheese, wine, and other shops; markets set up along the streets on certain weekdays.  I was captivated by not only the variety and freshness of the offerings, but also the displays and the pride of the vendors.

The Raspail Market (le marché Raspail) is several blocks long and open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with organic products offered Sundays.  The day of my visit, I chose to primarily photograph the fruits, vegetables, seafood, and such.  It was a sensory adventure.  The products looked and smelled delicious.  The displays were beautiful.  I didn't have access to cooking facilities during my visit, so only purchased a few things I could enjoy in my hotel.  I look forward to returning some day when I'll be able to take advantage of the bounty of the markets.

The roasted chicken with potatoes and other vegetables looked and smelled amazing.