Adventures in Paris: Copper Pot Paradise

Prior to leaving for Paris, my well-travelled buddy WFF recommended that I stop by E. Dehellerin as I had mentioned that I would love something very specifically french for my culinary exploits. 

 

This store is where I want to go when I die, at least for a decade or two.  I want to be a little ghost cleaning the pots, poking around, wrapping parcels for people and just itemizing all of the stock! 
We arrived late in the day and walking into the shop was like stepping back into another time!

 

You are met at the front door by a large panel with copper pots a-plenty.  What to buy?  What will fit in my suitcase most easily? I did not have a large suitcase. Where to begin?

I wandered and wondered the aisles, drinking in the variety of culinary tools, some of which I had no clue what they could be used for! 

And this was no Williams Sonoma - it is not all neatly assembled and artfully displayed for the customer; this is a store for serious chefs and foodies and is not for the faint of heart. 

My favourite part was going down into the old, dark, basement.  More shelves  with pots of all sizes..

Note the massive cooking pot on the bottom shelf.

My husband joked that this is where witches must shop for their culinary accoutrements. Watch out, Hansel and Gretel!

My children  were amazed that such a place could still be in business.  These kinds of small businesses are sadly being replaced where I live by big-box chains.  Makes me miss the old hardware stores with their wooden floors, selling everything from bolts to christmas ornaments.

At the far end of the basement was a wee spiral staircase that only went as far as another bunch of hidden shelves.  I was desperate to go up the stairs, but did not dare as that could be where the witch decamps while her packages are being wrapped!

The best part for me was the actual transaction when I made my purchase.  First, I chose my item.  This is me, staring again at all the choices...

Then I waited 10 minutes to find a staff person who would wait on me.  There was quite a commotion while I was in the store as a couple with very deep pockets were purchasing THREE crates full of copper pots (likely for the country house).  Given the prices of these pots, it was quite astonishing to see!  I am sure they spent a minimum of $5000 euros. Once I received my item, I waited again for the lady behind the counter to look up and come and take my visa.  Once she took my visa and gave me a receipt, I waited again for one of the fellows to say "do you want that wrapped?" and then I waited while he wrapped it.  After 25 minutes, I walked triumphantly out of the shop with my copper oval pan, which I believe will be the beginning of a collection..

And here is my precious:

This oval plan was a) needed and B) was the perfect size for the suitcase and I hauled it with me all over France.  It was/is heavy!


This was a quintessentually french experience in shopping and i adored every moment of it.  Thanks WFF - I have already told my husband what I want for Christmas....