The city of Paris has a six story cap on building height. As a result, the crowded apartments in the city have small rooms, the kitchen often being the smallest. This means that the people of Paris often have to shop daily for the daily meals. One such place to find the freshest food and the best prices is the local open air market, and one of these is Rue Cler.

Shopping is also a social event for Parisians. If you shop daily, you typically go to the same place, and the daily gossip and catching up on neighborhood news with the local butcher or baker is often the high light of the Paris housewife's day. You know the baker, and look forward to seeing the newest pictures of their grand children.

The florist knows what flowers you prefer, and can tell you when your favorite shipment is coming in. and yes, they really do kiss each other on the cheek; twice for acquaintances and three times for old friends. Rue Cler is one of the friendliest markets, having been pedestrian only since the early eighties, with shops spilling out into the streets via carts full of the daily necessities of dairy, bread, and of course, chocolate.