Contrary to popular belief, wine consumption in France has actually decreased over the last few decades. A survey conducted by the Bordeaux VinExpo in 2007 showed that annual French wine consumption fell by 11.1% to four billion bottles between 2001 and 2005 and continues to decline.
Not to worry though, as the popular beverage is still readily available in France, and in most cafés, restaurants and bars, similar in price to soda or bottled water.
You might wonder how this could be possible, but it is true - a respectable glass of house wine might run you about 4-6 Euros, compared to a small glass of cola at 4 Euros (and this is not the bottomless kind).
Another way to sample french wine as local Parisians is to picnic along the Seine River. Each summer the river banks are full of people socializing, eating, and enjoying wine. Public alcohol consumption is legal, and wine is available for purchase at many stores, or specialty wine shops. One popular chain throughout Paris is called Nicolas.
If you are feeling courageous, one landmark in Paris to check out is the restaurant, La Tour D'Argent. It boasts 500,000 bottles of wine in its cellar with a selection of 9,300 different wines.
La Tour D'Argent
15/17 quai de la Tournelle, 5th Arrondissement, Metro Maubert Mutualité; Line 10
(also walking distance (1/4 mile) from Notre Dame)
By Margaret Li on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 @ 10:00 PM
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Food,
Wine