Rushing waters, pre-historic cave art, mysterious standing stones, cliffs and caves, grottos and gorges and an ambient mysteriousness. The wilds of the ancient land of Ardèche in southern France are filled with unbridled waters, rushing waterfalls, the rugged Cévennes mountains, the deepest river canyon in the country, courtly castles and vestiges of the Gallo-Roman age surrounded by abundant nature, scrublands, fields of lavender, wild herbs, heirloom fruits and vegetables, mineral rich waters and precious vineyards. The Ardèche is one of the most beautiful spots in all the land. The Knights Templar had a stronghold there and today still a certain spirituality lingers in the air.

But if you don’t make it all the way down to this authentic land and its singular terroirs as the good earths of France are often called, there is a small corner of the Ardèche tucked into the Marais neighborhood of Paris offering up the unadulterated bounty of this rugged and rich land in a setting that brings to mind the region. The boutique, fittingly named L’Ardèche à Paris, is an ode to the gastronomic traditions of the region brought to Paris by Laurent Haond, whose ties to the region go back to his childhood. 

He has assembled a fine array of local olives oils, honeys, homemade jams, herbs and mushrooms, all rigorously selected from local producers and farmers. And there are the farm house cheeses, unique to the Ardèche, the smoked meats and cold cuts and the surprising wines, reds, whites, rosés and a sparkling that comes close to champagne. There are unusual cordials and brandies made with local ingredients like elderberry, chestnut and linden flower. Another find was the local mineral water. And not to be missed are the chestnuts and sweet chestnuts (the best are the sugar-coated ones) which are emblematic of the region.  You can also create gift baskets or a picnic hamper to take over and enjoy right on the banks of the Seine, a five minute walk away from the shop. There is a nice country-style dining room in the back of the shop which can be privatized as well.  In short a great way to escape into a rich little known gastronomic region of France. L’Ardèche à Paris, 23 rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris. For additional information and special events go to https://ardecheaparis.com/  ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette