After a morning of climbing the steps, visiting the Basilique and eating a typical Lyonnaise lunch we did even more walking. This time across the Sôane and the Rhône. Our goal was a famous chocolatier, Bernachon, where we used to buy chocolates when we lived there. We found them easily, and in the same location.

Here is a peek in their front window. Which cake do you prefer?

We did not go after pastries or cakes, mind you, but the delectable palet d’ors, a combination of dark chocolate and sweet cream adorned with real gold leaf—the house specialty.

We wanted to buy some as a gift for our friends Danièle and Greg whose house we were going to for dinner the following night, and who just so happened to introduce us to palet d’ors in the first place. And of course a box for ourselves.

Walking back we took a different route and just happened to see the sign to Les Halles. Les Halles! We had forgotten all about this incredible indoor gourmet market! We knew we had to make the side trip. How fortuitous! The building did not look like we remembered, having undergone an extreme makeover a few years ago. It now bore Paul Bocuse’s name as well.

Are you ready to enter? Do you have anything available close by to wipe the drool from your mouth with? Maybe you won’t need it if you don’t like cheese, foie gras, or other delectable goodies.

Sausages.

And the counter that had me salivating with one of my favorite things: foie gras—and so many different ways.

Anyone for foie gras kabobs? Foie gras paired with duck wing meat. Oh. my. god. It’s a good thing I had no way to cook these or one of these would have come home with me. Seriously.

These were just little appetizers. We were now wishing we hadn’t already eaten lunch.

Bresse chickens, sold with the head and feet on so you know that’s what they are. (They have blue feet.) Very pricey and very delicious! (I know these two photos may be too graphic for some of you, but this is the way these birds are sold in markets.)

Pintade (guinea fowl). Very tasty. I miss being able to buy guinea fowl. Their meat is not white, but not dark.

Bread anyone?

And last, but certainly not least because man (or woman) cannot live by bread alone: cheese! They say that France has 365 different varieties of cheese, one cheese for each day of the year but I am convinced there are a lot more than that. Just take a look at a small sampling ...

I’ve either made you hungry or you were completely grossed out by this post (especially if you’re vegetarian)! I know I made myself hungry! I’m ready to go back!

P.S. I really don’t like normal liver all that much. I can eat chicken liver pâté, but not any other kind of cooked liver. Other than foie gras of course. I know it’s not P.C. but I can’t help myself! That’s what living in France did to me!

Oh my goodness…I am totally hungry now.  I will happily take one of each!

Debra, I’ve got the grill heating up right now for those foie gras brochettes! Darn ... we’ve only got fajitas for dinner tho ...

I think the bread would be hardest for me to pass up!  The chocolate second and then the cheese.  I would let you have the foie gras…

Well this is embarassing but I didn’t really realize what foie gras was until you mentioned liver at the end…!
What’s it taste like!?
So many cheeses! I can’t wait to travel,
thanks for sharing =]

Jan, I figured as much!

Luke, well don’t be embarassed, as they say “you learn something new every day.” It tastes, well, like really really fine liver but not livery at all. Rich and buttery. It depends on how it’s prepared, but it melts in your mouth. Hard to describe especially to you since you don’t eat meat!

We are just back from a holiday in the sun and caught up with your very interesting blogs on your travels in France.  The cakes and chocs look delicious, so do the bread and cheeses but I would have difficulty with the fois gras and poulet.

I’m really impressed with how beautifully everything is presented.  And now I’m starving…it must be breakfast time!

Oh. My. God.

Y U M!!!! Wow.

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