Voices of the Market Les Cris de Paris

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Voices of the Market: Les Cris de Paris

Voices of the Market: Les Cris de Paris takes listeners back to the bustling streets of medieval and Renaissance Paris, where markets weren’t just places to shop — they were stages filled with sound, rhythm, and theatrical flair. Long before advertising, signage, or social media, street vendors relied on their voices, crafting memorable cries to attract customers and sell everything from food to household goods.

In this episode, we explore the origins of the Cris de Paris — the shouted calls of market sellers, travelling tradespeople, and street merchants — and how these cries evolved from simple sales pitches into a distinctive form of urban poetry and performance. You’ll discover how these chants shaped daily life, reflected what Parisians ate, and became part of the living soundtrack of the city.

We’ll also uncover how the cries were preserved through history, from illustrated engravings and literature to music by composer Clément Janequin, whose famous Cris de Paris transformed street calls into choral art. Along the way, we visit historic Parisian landmarks like Les Halles — once known as the “belly of Paris” — to understand where these voices rang out loudest and why they eventually faded.

Finally, we dive into some of the most fascinating food-related cries themselves — from coconut drinks and roasted chestnuts to oranges, oublies, tinware, and root vegetables — revealing how vendors turned everyday commerce into creativity, charm, and spectacle. Voices of the Market: Les Cris de Paris is a sensory journey into the sounds, flavors, and stories of a Paris that once sang through its streets.

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My book Paris: A Fabulous Food Guide to the World’s Most Delicious City is your ultimate companion. You’ll find hand-picked recommendations for the best boulangeries, patisseries, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants that truly capture the flavor of Paris. You can order it online at andrewpriorfabulously.com

For those who want to take things further, why not come cook with me here in Montmorillon, in the heart of France’s Vienne region? Combine hands-on French cooking classes with exploring charming markets, tasting regional specialties, and soaking up the slow, beautiful pace of French countryside life. Find all the details at andrewpriorfabulously.com

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