Located in the heart of Paris, La Grande Épicerie is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, a full program of events has been organized.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris is a temple for food lovers. For a century now, it has been offering the widest range of fine products in the capital. With almost 30,000 references, it attracts 1.3 million visitors each year.
This gastronomic institution is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In 1923, Le Bon Marché decided to dedicate an entire space to food lovers. Ten years later, it became the “Comptoir de l’Alimentation,” offering fresh produce as well as a wide selection of fine preserves. In October 1979, it became officially known as “La Grande Épicerie de Paris,” and aimed to be the successful combination of traditional commerce, refined boutiques, and supermarket.
In 2017, La Grande Épicerie de Paris crossed the Seine River and opened its second store on the right bank, on rue de Passy, offering the same selection of fine products.
Today, this Parisian institution celebrates its centenary. The whole building has been involved in the festivities. The pastry department has created an Art Deco chocolate cake, while the bakery has designed a large lotus flower-shaped bread and a vanilla custard. A superb “Quatre Plumes” pâté en croûte bearing the La Grande Épicerie de Paris logo will be available in the culinary section. It has been made using four different poultry types, including Bresse chicken and porcini mushrooms.
Producers and artisans have also contributed to the celebrations. A total of 40 unique products have been introduced in the store. For example, Alain Milliat and his famous juices offer a lemon caviar infused ice beverage. Christophe Louie, former pastry chef at La Grande Épicerie, has created a “cookie-style” panettone. Other new additions include a chestnut recipe from Fondant Baulois, a Bordier butter with eight spices, and a “fabulous” blue tea from Mariage Frères, specially crafted for La Grande Épicerie de Paris.
There are also two special events to note. On October 5th, after the store closes, a candlelit dinner will take place within the aisles (upon registration, 150 euros per person). On November 16th, the store will stay open late for tastings and surprises.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris celebrates 100 years from September 29th to October 29th.
38 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7th, and 80 rue de Passy, Paris 16th.
