Paris outdoor food markets

When you go to Paris, you owe it to yourself to visit at least one food market, and assemble a picnic to enjoy in one of Paris’ many beautiful parks.

Rue Mouffetard is a long hill of shops with stalls spilling out over the curb.  I recommend starting at the top (nearest metro: Place Monge) and then take the long lazy walk down (south on Mouffetard toward). The nearby Luxembourg Gardens are stunningly beautiful, and a perfect place for your market picnic.

Rue Montorgueil has more cafes sprinkled in between the shops, so it has a little more of a see and be seen vibe. I highly recommend reading David Lebovitz's tour of the market (in fact, I highly recommend his blog in general for advice about visiting/living in Paris). Couple of notable shops I loved:

• L'Atelier du Chocolat - really good chocolate with interesting flavors, options. Good for gifts or nibbles while you walk. 
• G. Detou - if you like to bake, open your wallet here. Good for gifts too. 
• Stohrer claims to be the oldest patisserie in Paris. Try not to drool. 
• E. DeHellerin is nearby.  If you like to cook, make the detour to see their insane range of cooking supplies, including beautiful copper cookware in the basement, as well as other kitchen odds and ends.  Take a tour with Kevin Sharkey and before you go, read David Lebovitz's advice about shopping there. 

I always visit the Marché aux Fleurs near Notre Dame.  There's an amazing orchid shop on the northeast corner of the market, and on Sundays, it's also a bird market.  Also, I'm sort of in love with the entrance to the nearest Metro, Cité.