Paris: Saint Germain Food & Wine Tour with Michelin Bakery

Summary

Saint-Germain’s flavors from caviar to brandy with stories in every bite

You’ll taste warm apple tart straight from the oven, sample presidential cheeses in Saint-Germain, sip vintage Armagnac in a historic shop, and stroll past iconic cafés where legends gathered. With each stop guided by locals who love to share their city’s quirks and flavors, you’ll feel part of Paris—if only for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this low hum of conversation that floats out from the boulangerie on Rue de Buci — you can almost smell the butter before you step inside. Our guide, Camille, waved us over with a grin and handed me a piece of apple tart that was still warm. I nearly dropped it because I was too busy gawking at the pastry case. The crust flaked everywhere (sorry, Camille), but honestly, that’s how you know it’s good. We started our Saint Germain food & wine tour right there, surrounded by locals who didn’t even look up from their morning coffee.

I thought I knew French cheese until we ducked into this shop where presidents get their supply — apparently that’s a thing. The cheesemonger explained the difference between PDO and IGP labels while slicing something creamy and sharp; I tried repeating the names but gave up after the third attempt. It was all so casual but somehow felt like a big deal. Then came the bakery run by Thierry Marx (Michelin-starred chef — no biggie). The bread had this chewy crust and smelled like roasted grain; we stood outside nibbling baguette pieces while Camille told us how Marx is kind of an eccentric genius in Paris food circles.

We wandered past Le Bon Marché, sunlight bouncing off those crazy Art Nouveau windows. At one point, we squeezed into a tiny brandy shop that’s been around since 1905 — dark wood shelves stacked high with bottles I couldn’t pronounce. The owner poured us Armagnac and port; it burned in my chest in a way that felt oddly comforting. Someone made a joke about Hemingway needing this on cold nights here, which got a laugh from our group (and maybe an eye-roll from Camille). There was also chocolate somewhere in there — honestly, things got fuzzy after the second glass of wine.

I keep thinking about how ordinary people just go about their lives here — shopping for cheese or chatting at cafés where Picasso used to sit. Our day trip through Saint Germain wasn’t just about food; it was about feeling stitched into Paris for a few hours. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can hear the clink of glasses and smell fresh bread on the air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saint Germain Food and Wine Tour

• Taste apple tart and butter cookies
• Sample cheese from top Paris shop
• Try traditional baking at Thierry Marx bakery
• Enjoy pastries from top female chef
• Sip Armagnac and vintage port wine
• Visit L’Avant-Comptoir du Marché bistro
• Pass by Le Bon Marché department store
• Pass by historic coffeehouse of famous writers
• Pass by café of existentialists and surrealists
• Admire oldest church in Paris
• Pass by Hotel Lutetia luxury hotel

Top questions

How long does the Saint Germain food & wine tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours with seven tasting stops included.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes—email ahead to advise of any dietary requirements such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

Is hotel pickup included in this Paris food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the starting point in Saint-Germain des-Prés.

Can children join the Saint Germain food tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this Paris food tour suitable for vegans or people with dairy allergies?

No—the tour is not suitable for vegans or people with dairy allergies due to menu limitations.

Does this day trip include visits to famous landmarks?

You’ll pass iconic sites like Le Bon Marché and historic cafés frequented by writers and artists.

What types of drinks are included on this Paris wine tour?

The tastings include French wine, Armagnac brandy, and vintage port at one of Paris’ oldest shops.

What’s included

Your day includes seven different tasting stops across Saint-Germain: warm apple tart and butter cookies at a beloved bakery, presidential cheeses from an award-winning fromagerie, traditional breads by Michelin chef Thierry Marx, signature pastries by one of Paris’ top female chefs, chocolate sampling, Armagnac and port tastings at a historic brandy shop—all led by an English-speaking local guide as you explore iconic Left Bank sights together.