Parcours Gourmand at the Galeries Lafayette

   Psst... Here's a secret that's sure to get out:

All summer long the Galeries Lafayette offers free tasting tours at Lafayette Gourmet & Maison every day at 10 a.m! Reserve your place here.

Admittedly still a bit sleepy (you're supposed to arrive at 9:45) we waited for our chic tour guide by the Pierre Hermé counter before we set off to sample the crème de la crème of French goodies.

Can you tell I'm drooling?

Our first stop was Alain Ducasse chocolates, where the manager explained the chocolate making process to us with the aid of a slick video playing on the high-def screen by the counter. You guys, they open the cacao husks themselves!!

Also, hot tip for la rentree: M. Ducasse's factory is situated right by Bastille on rue de la Roquette (study abroad veterans, you will remember this street from your OFII nightmares), will most definitely be paying a visit when it reopens from summer holidays in September -- stay tuned.

Next stop was L'Eclair de Génie where we sampled a gorgeous eclair au caramel beurre salé breton. The brand's vibe is young, hip, and handmade. They're also branching out into épicerie fine with a set of gourmet munchies packaged as a travel toiletries kit (soap-shaped chocolate bars, mousse disguised as hand cream, face lotion that's actually candied almonds...) Something to keep in mind for the onslaught of house guests that come with the change of season.

Third up was Dalloyau, founded by Louis XIV's personal pastry chef. The brand prides itself on its mastery of classic French patisserie but still offers enough surprises to keep you on your toes -- kind of like a good Louboutin.

We encountered savory hors d'oeuvres disguised as religieuses (below) and the thé Bergamote macarons are not to be missed!

Finally we got to try macarons and chocolate from Pierre Hermé's summer line. I took a fruity, delectable Ispahan ganache and a vibrant but refreshing red fruits and mint macaron, while the Irishman enjoyed a creamy banana macaron made with yogurt.

That's not a filter, that's the warm glow of my love shining down on the sweets.

Wisely, the tour ended with drinks, namely tea from the Mariage Frères boutique. However, it was still before noon on a Saturday, so we headed back upstairs for coffee (or in the Irishman's case, a mochacino) at Café Cuillier.

The grand magasin also hosts everything from yoga classes to make-up lessons to wine tastings. Check it out at the link above!

Bon appetit, tout le monde!

Photo credits: Peter Doherty (c)