Everyone is always asking me where to buy copper pots in Paris. And while internet shopping and the fallen dollar mean that buying copper cookware in Paris is not the bargain it once was, the act of buying copper pots is still a cherished errand for foodies on vacation who want to bring back a souvenir that will last a lifetime (and beyond).
You can find copper pots in department stores, second-hand shops and brocantes. But for brand new copper cookware, your first stop should be E. Dehillerin. A famous family-owned Paris cookware shop that has been around since 1820, E. Dehillerin is hardly a secret. But if you've never been, it's worth a trip for copper pots and other quality cooking equipment, or just a window shop. And if you're not planning to be in Paris anytime soon, you can order online via their website.
Other cookware resources in Paris:
La Bovida (36 rue Montmartre, 1st arrondissement)
- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. She can be reached at kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
TW Salt Mill by Wil...
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Marisa and Peter's Playfully Eclectic Home
This question from reader Sarah:
I'm going to Rome for the first time in about a week. Your post on copper cookware as souvenirs from Paris got me wondering what your suggestion would be for a souvenir to last a lifetime from Rome. Thanks!
Sarah,
To last a lifetime, I would suggest bringing back a marble mortar and (wooden) pestle that you can use to make pesto for the rest of your days. Of course it will weigh a ton, so be sure to otherwise pack lightly!
Anyone else have ideas?
Also, Sarah, here's another Rome kitchen souvenir we covered previously:
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/slinks/slinksn-slingks-surreptitious-web-links-to-other-good-sites-029890
As a loyal customer of Dehillerin I can vouch for the copper selection and quality. Just pack your bags lightly - or better yet, take an empty one with you- so you'll have plenty of room to pack your new treasures. Oh, the reaction of the airport security guys is priceless. If you have any doubt as to the quality of Dehillerin's copper, the security freaks test ALL metals and will verify the quality in the airport for free!