Anyone visiting Paris can easily pick up an Hermes scarf (better to get it at the duty-free shop) or a bottle of perfume. But what about something that someone could actually use? That's where the Maille mustard store comes in.
True, it's the same brand of mustard available at your local supermarket. Heck, it's been around since the early 1700s! However, the store in Paris (and in Dijon, where else?) sells flavors exclusive to the retail outlet, some of which are pulled straight from the tap. As I stood in line behind several locals refilling their earthenware jars (croques) with one of the three flavors offered that day, I determined that I would purchase a medium-size croque of the Chablis flavor (a flavor that is exclusive to the store).
The rustic jar looks beautiful in my refrigerator and is a lovely souvenir of my trip. And the mustard! The Chablis flavor is a delicate version of the white-wine mustard, flavorful but not as assertive. I find myself looking for excuses to use the mustard (yes, I even use it on fries). And since my croque is nearly empty, I'll be returning to the store and dutifully standing in line with the rest of the locals.