Thousands of vendors sell foods at the more than 80 markets throughout the Paris metropolitan area. Last month the Bensidoun family, the largest operator of open-air markets in Paris brought a touch of the City of Lights to the Windy City with the opening of the Chicago French Market in the West Loop. Since then, this year-round, European-inspired indoor marketplace has been wowing foodies with an artisanal array of local, seasonal and certified-organic produce, meats, fish and seafood, breads, pastries, small-batch cheese and wine, chocolates and sweets, artisan-made goods and flowers, plus handmade prepared meals and snacks.

Chicago French Market is the latest of the Bensidouns operations; the family now runs 16 seasonal markets in the U.S., 13 of which are located in Chicago and area suburbs. Unlike seasonal farmer’s markets, Chicago French Market and its vendors will stay open all year, Monday through Saturday. “The Market is becoming a true neighborhood gathering place for area residents to enjoy, plus shop for prepared food and fresh ingredients to cook at home,” says co-developer Bob Wislow, CEO and chairman of U.S. Equities Realty. “We also serve the 110,000 commuters who work in Chicago each day, nearby businesses and visitors to the area.”

If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, business lunch or casual dinner, there are loads of dining options for eating in or take out. Or wander through the stalls of more than 25 producers including Pastoral, a European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop; Chicago Organics, offering 100 percent certified-organic produce, meats and dairy products; or RAW, which makes it easy to eat a raw diet with meals, drinks and snacks made onsite. To map out your plan, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com. —Denise Shoukas