The French author Emile Zola wrote the novel "Le Ventre de Paris" – "The Belly of Paris" – in 1873, focusing on the bustling area of Les Halles. He referred to it as the belly of Paris for good reason – since the 1800s Les Halles has been a center for the food industry, featuring diverse grocers, markets, restaurants, and gourmet specialties. With the help of our guide you’ll learn about this incredible food culture within the heart of Paris as you walk through the charming streets and see shops and businesses that have long been a part of the city’s history. As one of the oldest parts of Paris, there is a lot to discuss; you’ll hear stories dating back to the Middle Ages, and also learn about the evolution of French cuisine and how it grew along with Paris. The tour includes various tastings of both savory and sweet to delight your senses.