I have to find a way to live in Paris, even if it’s just for half a year. I mean, Paris really is the most beautiful city in the world. And it’s been calling out to me now more than ever or better yet singing out to me.

Out of the blue I got a phone call. Yes, an actual call! Bonne Maman was inviting me to attend a Mother’s Day event in Paris which would be situated on a boat, the Concorde Atlantique docked along the River Seine. Not just any event, but a 3 day culinary love affair with Paris hosted by the most famous (and lets just be honest here), best preserve making company in the world. That’s right. I said “preserve” because Bonne Maman is not in the business of making jam. We Canadians probably call most preserves, jams. However, after talking to some key Bonne Maman folk, to them preserves contain luscious chunks of fruit. So, if you are a jam snob like me, you just now realized that you really may be a “preserve” snob.

We may all know family owned and world renowned Bonne Maman preserves and jellies by their iconic (and very reusable) glass bottles with checkered red and white lids. However, in Europe the brand delivers so much more! There is a section in grocers for Bonne Maman stacked with preserves, compotes, jellies, curds, caramel and chestnut sauces, yogurts, madeleines, biscuits, crepes, waffles and more. Now, they just released a new Intense line of MORE fruit LESS sugar spreads. 38% less sugar to be exact. Hopefully we will see this line and much more trickling in to our Canadian grocers. I know Quebec is privy to many more of Bonne Maman’s product line whereas the rest of us Canadians may have to dig a little deeper or start demanding our favourite shops to start bringing it in. For example Fiesta Farms in Toronto carries their yummy compotes as well as the always magnificent St.Lawrence Market.

But let’s get back to why Paris is so awesome as seen through my eyes on this culinary adventure so I can provide you with a few must-sees on your next or first trip to Paris.

Our small but sweet North American team of new fellow foodie friends Lily Diamond, Molly Yeh and Sarah Fennel stayed at the Hotel St-Germain. The area, I was told by locals, is considered the heart of Paris and the hotel couldn’t have been more perfect. If you want the most central area to stay where everything is in walking distance, Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th would be it.

The first day I arrived and only a 2 minute walk from the hotel, I stumbled upon La Grande Epicerie. Walking the aisles of this jaw dropping food market was nothing short of a magical experience. A food stylists dream! There were rows of peppercorns in the spice section I never knew existed. Never mind the carefully curated selection of fruits and vegetables that featured garlic so big, strawberries so small, and white asparagus as thick as salami.

The days we spent onboard at the event was spent tasting all the wonderful and outside-the-box things you can do and make with Bonne Maman products (and their reusable jars). We had specialty cocktails made with their new Intense spreads, pastry classes, candle making, and tea workshops. All the while being served savory and sweet nibbles infused with all the flavours of Bonne Maman. It really opened my eyes to all the different things you can do with say, your favourite preserve. One of my favourite experiences was sitting around a long table with the Andros team from Bonne Maman and a bunch of us foodies just tasting products by the spoonful. Brainstorming all the recipes you could do with Bonne Maman’s chestnut spread or blackcurrent jelly.

We ate or way through Paris. From breakfast at Ladurée (famous for their macarons) to dinner at Chez L’Ami Jean with everything in between. I strolled through the streets and gazed in awe that one could walk to work everyday in this kind of bewildering beauty. To see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night as you stroll along the Seine with a bottle of fine Languedoc arm in arm with friends is something everyone should experience. Then stand below The Gates of Hell in the blossoming gardens of the Rodin Museum to really put things in perspective. If you need more, there’s LOTS more but don’t forget to end one evening watching a swing dance spectacle that happens at this 60’s jazz bar, Le Cave du 38 Riv.

I had the best of the best…

Best Meringue Bomb→ Aux Merveilleux de Fred⇒ eat the coffee flavoured one

Best Croissant→ Des Gâteaux et du Pain

Best Jambon→ Caractere de Cochon⇒ also grab a few mini chorizo

Best All Round Pastry Shop→ Pierre Hermé

Best Cheese→ Fromagerie Beillevaire

Best Meillfeuille→ Blé Sucré

Best Cocktail Bar→ Cafe Moderne⇒ also best meatballs

Best Rice Pudding→ Chez L’Ami Jean⇒ also best service

Best Bonne Maman product to bring home with you→ too many to choose from, but I did manage to bring home a a few fraises, framboises and fleur de sureau (strawberry, raspberry and elderflower) Mother’s Day limited edition preserves that are blowing my mind.

Special Edition Bonne Maman

Special Edition Bonne Maman

To the Andros team and Bonne Maman, who taught us all about how to pristinely and proudly manufacture the finest of products (and who swear that to live a long and happy life one must live near the Dordogne Valley), we are so very grateful for inviting us.

To Kelsi from RWest and Marie from Meilleures Marques, thank you for all the hard work and expertise in organizing one of the best best culinary journeys so far to date.

À plus tard.