Before our train trip to Switzerland, we stopped for lunch at the lovely Marche Saint Quentin, near Paris Est station.
Lunch At Marche Saint Quentin, The Quintessential French Market In Paris
Heidi and I were both in the mood for Mediterranean food and also wanted to fill up the kids before our train ride. We found Marche Saint Quentin, a lovely Parisian market, just a few blocks from the station.
After storing our bags in lockers at the station, we walked over to survey our choices. The market is full of stalls featuring cuisines and groceries from around the world as well as cheesemongers, wine merchants, and florists. It was crowded for lunch and we knew immediately that we would find something here for everyone.
Heidi chose the Moroccan restaurant and loaded up on a plate of stewed vegetables topped in garbanzo beans and raisins as well as a chicken kabob.
I chose Lebanese and got a big mezze plate with favorites like tabouleh, hummus, falafel, olives, and baba ganoush (with every ingredient made on-site from scratch) as well as a piping hot falafel sandwich.
I could eat falafel every day if I had to and found the wrap delicious…as did Heidi…and Augustine…and Claire Marie. (I ended up with only a couple bites).
The food may not look like much, but it refueled us and propelled us for the next several hours.
CONCLUSION
I love little markets like this and would happily return to Marche Saint Quentin on a future trip to Paris. This is the second time in two trips we’ve departed from Paris Est and if we do it again I will certainly make time to stop here for a bite to eat.
Great tip, I had not heard of this market but will add it to my list of places to try. Looks fabulous!
You’ll enjoy it!
This market is a fabulous experience we enjoyed on a recent short stay in the area. I long to rent an apartment and cook with the beautiful raw ingredients displayed at this market. Check out the small wine bar. It looked so cozy.