Forget the 40€ Tourist Menu: How to Eat Like a Parisian for 12€

Paris is a city where you can spend 100€ on lunch without trying, but you do not have to.

If you walk into a traditional brasserie near the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, you will likely see a “formule” for 35€ or 40€. Usually, this includes a mediocre steak and frozen fries.

Instead of doing that, I want you to walk into a local supermarket. Look for names like Monoprix, Franprix, or Carrefour City. These stores are the secret pantry for every Parisian living in a tiny apartment.

You can grab a full, high-quality meal for 12€ and eat it with a better view than any restaurant balcony!

The Magic of the Traiteur Counter

When you enter a Parisian grocery store, skip the frozen aisle. Look for the “Traiteur” section. This is a deli counter where food is prepared daily.

It is much better than the pre-packaged salads you see in other countries. You can often find a “Poulet Rôti” which is a roasted chicken. A hot leg or breast will cost you about 4€. It is seasoned with herbs and salt and is usually still warm.

Pair this with a side from the glass case. Look for “Carottes Râpées,” which are shredded carrots in a light lemon vinaigrette. A small container is about 2€. It is a classic French side dish that is refreshing and crunchy.

If you want something heavier, look for “Taboulé” or a lentil salad with small pieces of bacon called lardons.

These items are sold by weight, so you can ask for exactly 200 grams. This keeps your costs low while giving you a variety of flavors.

Have you ever tried real French lentils? They stay firm and have a peppery taste that is very different from the mushy ones in cans.

The 1€ Bakery Secret

Every supermarket in Paris has a “Boulangerie” section near the front. Do not buy the bread that comes in a plastic bag. Look for the wooden bins holding fresh baguettes.

A standard “Baguette de Tradition” should cost between 1.10€ and 1.30€. It should be crunchy on the outside and airy on the inside. This is your most important tool.

You can tear off pieces to eat with your deli meats or use it to soak up the juices from your roasted chicken.

If you want to make a sandwich, head to the refrigerated wall. Look for “Le Beurre Bordier” or any butter labeled “Demi-Sel” from Brittany. A small pack is around 2.50€.

Then, find the “Jambon de Paris.” This is a high-quality cooked ham. A pack of 2 slices is about 2.50€. When you put that ham and salty butter on a fresh baguette, you have a “Jambon-Beurre.”

This is the most popular lunch in the city. It is simple, but the quality of the bread makes it taste like a luxury.

Why pay 15€ for a sandwich at a cafe when you can build a better one for 5€?

Cheese and Fruit for Dessert

You can’t have a Parisian meal without cheese. In the supermarket, the cheese aisle is huge. Look for a small round of Camembert or a wedge of Comté.

A decent piece of Comté aged for 12 months will cost you about 3.50€. It has a nutty flavor that everyone likes.

If you prefer something soft, look for Saint-Maure de Touraine, which is a goat cheese with a gray rind.

For dessert, look for the seasonal fruit. In the summer, grab a punnet of “Fraises des Bois” or small strawberries.

In the autumn, look for Reine Claude plums. These are green, very sweet, and cost about 2€ for a handful.

For a drink, grab a 1.5-liter bottle of Badoit sparkling water for 1€. If you want wine, a decent half-bottle of Bordeaux or a chilled Rosé from Provence is often under 5€.

You now have a full meal with meat, bread, cheese, fruit, and a drink for exactly 12€.

Choosing Your Best View

The final step is finding a place to sit. Parisians love a “Pique-Nique.” If you are near the Louvre, walk over to the Tuileries Garden. Find one of the famous green metal chairs near the fountains. It is free and much more comfortable than a cramped bistro table.

If you are near the Eiffel Tower, avoid the grass right in front of it. Instead, walk 10 minutes to the banks of the Seine near the Pont de l’Alma.

Sitting by the water, you can watch the boats go by while you enjoy your 12€ feast. You are eating the same high-quality ingredients that locals buy every day.

You aren’t paying for a waiter or a tablecloth, but the food is often fresher. It is a smart way to see the city without feeling like a tourist.

Which park do you think has the best atmosphere for a quiet lunch?