Stockist Spotlight: French Market, Taupō

Your go-to pitstop for Volare Bread, French cheese, and lake-town charm.

If you’re heading down to the snow or planning a summer escape by the lake, there’s a new spot in Taupō worth adding to your map. Tucked just off the main street, the French Market is a cosy, elegant deli founded by Marie Leroux and her partner, Dustin Habener. A former Michelin-star sous-chef from Paris, Marie has brought a slice of France to the centre of the North Island, stocked with artisan cheese, boutique pantry staples, and of course, Volare bread and pastries.

“I moved to Taupō seven years ago and instantly fell in love with this place,” says Marie. “Every day, I feel grateful to live by the lake, surrounded by such beautiful scenery. Opening a business here felt completely natural. Like common sense.”

That sense of ease and authenticity is exactly what you’ll feel when you step through the doors of the French Market. Marie’s hope is that the experience transports people, “like stepping into a little corner of France, without needing a passport.”

A chef by training, Marie’s approach to sourcing is personal and thoughtful. “It’s honestly the hardest part! I love discovering and tasting new things. But I also care deeply about the stories behind them. It’s not just about beautiful packaging – there are passionate people behind each product.”

Her love of food runs deep. “Both of my grandmothers were incredible cooks. I started culinary school at 14, and by 29 I was working as a sous-chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. It’s been a long journey, but the love for food has always been at the heart of it.”

That passion is clear on the shelves. You’ll find French wines, unpasteurised cheese, handmade condiments, and the smell of fresh Volare bread wafting from the counter. “The pain au levain is a favourite of mine. It pairs beautifully with our cheeses. Yes – we really do eat cheese with bread!”

Marie says customers often comment on the authenticity of the shop. “Some have told me it feels just like being in a little village in France. That’s the biggest compliment I could ask for.”

As for Volare? “I’ve known about Volare bread since I first arrived in New Zealand. For me, it’s always represented quality, consistency, and amazing flavour. When I opened the deli, it wasn’t even a question. It had to be Volare.”

Marie describes Taupō as “human-sized.” It’s a place where she feels connected. “On the tough days, I just take a walk by the lake and suddenly feel like the luckiest person in the world.”

Whether you’re a local, passing through, or holidaying lakeside, the French Market is one of those rare places that makes you want to slow down, savour the moment, and pick up a warm loaf of pain au levain while you’re at it.