Foodie favourites on the rue des Martyrs

One of the best foodie streets in Paris, the rue des Martyrs has become a must-visit destination for those in search of the finest French fare. Here, long-time local resident Caroline Harrap picks out five favourite spots not to be missed…

The famous Rose Bakery has been featured in Vogue

Rose Bakery
46 rue des Martyrs
Tel: 01 42 82 12 80

Long a must-visit on the rue des Martyrs, this chic canteen recently underwent a makeover and is now run across three sites in the locale. As well as the original café, there’s a takeaway place next door and a farm-shop-style épicerie across the street in rue de Navarin. Run by a Franco-British couple, Rose and Jean-Charles, they are renowned for their high-quality ingredients, which are often organic and/or from small producers and usually healthy. Overall, it’s a bit on the pricey side, meaning that it does tend to attract more tourists than locals. However, with Vogue recently describing it as “Paris’ favourite Anglo-French eatery”, it’s one of those iconic addresses that should be on the bucket list.

La Chambre aux Confitures
9 rue des Martyrs
Tel: 01 71 73 43 77

The rue des Martyrs has garnered a bit of a reputation for stores that specialise in just one thing and among the best has to be La Chambre aux Confitures. Dating back to the early 1900s, this small artisan company produces its own delectable range of jams, preserves and chutneys. With a hundred different flavours from which to choose, ranging from Onion, Truffle and Red Wine, to Morello Cherry and Vanilla, to Fig, Walnut and Brandy, there really is something for all tastes – and all crafted from the finest natural ingredients. What is more, if it’s a gift you’re buying, they also sell the cutest range of colourful plastic spoons, which they will then package up for you beautifully with your chosen jar. Oh, and their Christmas chutney is quite possibly the best thing ever invented.

La Chambre aux Confitures is a treasure trove of jams. chutneys and preserves

Head to Les Papilles Gourmandes for everything from cheese and wine to olive oils

Les Papilles Gourmandes
26 rue des Martyrs
Tel: 01 45 26 42 89

A proper old-school delicatessen, in the best sense of the term possible, Les Papilles Gourmandes is a food-lover’s dream – and a definite locals’ haven. Packed to the rafters with artisan products, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in this Aladdin’s Cave of foodie favourites, it’s probably not worth having anyway. From regional cheeses to high-quality oils and fine wines, it’s all here – served up with a friendly smile and plenty of greaseproof paper to see your items safely home. We’re particular fans of their deep wedges of creamy quiche, the cute-as-a-button miniature cheese soufflés and the surprise specialities that tempt you at the window. To quote an old film favourite, you had us at hello…

Sébastien Gaudard
22 rue des Martyrs
Tel: 01 71 18 24 70

When it comes to chocolate on the rue des Martyrs, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but the hand-crafted creations at fancy patisserie Sébastien Gaudard certainly take some beating. Presented in the most beautiful boxes, designed in the store’s signature geometric print, every single one of these elegant confections is a treat to be savoured. Alongside, you will find a finely carefully curated selection of the finest French pastry heritage. Known as the “petit prince of patisserie”, Sébastien Gaudard previously worked at Fauchon alongside Pierre Hermé, eventually succeeding the latter as head pastry chef. Today, as well as his stylish store in the rue des Martyrs, he also has a salon de téa located under the arcades facing the Jardins des Tuileries.

At Sébastien Gaudard, you’ll find irresistible sweet delights

At Glaces Glazed, their playful sense of fun permeates even the menu

Glaces Glazed
54 rue des Martyrs
Tel: 09 81 62 47 06

Ever since opening in 2014, Glaces Glazed has been tempting locals, passers-by and tourists alike with its exotic range of ice creams and sorbets. To give you some idea, among the fantastical flavours, you’ll find everything from rum and basil to popcorn. Having started life in a roving food truck, it was only a matter of time before these gorgeous glaces found a forever home – and now you can enjoy them either on the spot or to take away. The owners’ love of rock, pop and electro, and playful sense of humour, permeate every aspect of their bijou boutique –  and we love the fact that they don’t have anything as boring as a menu but rather a ‘Playlist des Parfumes’. We’re particularly sold on the idea of Black Sugar Sex Magic (chocolate, wasabi and ginger); yum.

• For more foodie inspiration, read some of our other articles here…