At a time when we realize that we have to do without capsule coffee, the bean version is resurfacing, dethroning the good old ground coffee. It is certainly very practical, but, as it loses its freshness very quickly once the package is opened, it must be used within two weeks and avoid leaving it in the open air.
In terms of flavor, nothing beats coffee beans ground at the last moment, as the baristas prepare in the specialist shops that are multiplying. Especially since the grain supply has become much more accessible with the democratization of integrated mill machines. In the trade, an entry-level manual mill (Hario type) costs around thirty euros. For a good electric version (with wheels, not blades), count around a hundred euros.
As for coffee beans, supermarkets now offer a wide selection, but if we consider that the preparation of coffee is a ritual, like tea, you might as well get supplies from roasters near you. Most of them deliver throughout France, such as Moklair, in Reims, Loutsa, Lyon and Paris, or Caffè Cataldi, in Côtes-d’Armor. Some are specialized in espresso, others sell ultra-rare batches… Purists can also join the Espresso Club, which organizes a collective tasting each month, with an exceptional coffee and a mystery coffee whose you have to guess the origin.