Laurence is passionate about sharing her culture with travelers from around the world. A market researcher for a local telecom company by day, Laurence is delighted by Paris’s local markets and her true love is sharing French food and culture. Born in Algeria to a French mother and Algerian father, Laurence was exposed to a multicultural environment from her earliest days. After moving to France at a young age, Laurence developed a love of learning about cultures from around the world and also became passionate about the English language. At home, Laurence and her husband, who comes from a family of oyster farmers, love cooking traditional French meals with seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood. Laurence says, “I would be happy to share my favorite recipes with you, tell you about our more than 350 cheeses, our superb wines and even teach you a few French words!” Join Laurence for a tour of the Marche D’Aligre that includes a tasting of regional produce and ends with a wine, cheese and charcuterie tasting. Marche D'Aligre is a true locals market, nearly 200 years old, that is located close to the Bastille area of the 12th arrondissement. You will meet your host Laurence at a coffee shop just next to the market; stay about 30 minutes as Laurence introduces you to the market and its history and explains your agenda. Laurence will share information on some of the different cheeses you might find in the market, and recommend some of the best French wines to try. After finishing your introduction, begin your tour through the covered section of the market, starting with the meat and charcuterie stalls. Continue on to the cheese stalls, and then the fish section of the market, where Paris’s freshest fish and seafood can be found. Finish your tour of the market with a trip through the vegetable portion of the market where Laurence will purchase a few seasonal fruits and vegetables for you to try that you might not have encountered before (for example a seasonal persimmon or blue radish, a lovely sweet and mild radish). After your tour, visit a nearby local wine bar where you will sit and enjoy an assortment of cheeses, charcuterie and two glasses of local wine. Tastings, including the charcuterie and cheese assortment and wine at the end of your tour, are included in the price of the experience. Please note market tours are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The experience duration is 3 hours.