The City of Lights? The City of Love? Perhaps, but we’d argue that Paris is truly the City of Cheese! And when it comes to the best cheese shops in Paris, everyone has their own favorite.
A Nation of Cheese Lovers
France takes cheese very seriously. It’s not just a cliché! According to the International Dairy Federation, the average French person consumes a whopping 57.9 pounds of cheese annually. Almost every neighborhood has at least one (if not two) fromageries, or cheese shops, serving the local community. Even the supermarket cheese aisle offers a fantastic selection of traditional cheeses at various prices.
Finding the Best Cheese in Paris
But if you want to discover the absolute best cheeses France has to offer, you have to venture out and consult the experts.
A Cheese Lover’s Paradise
There’s nothing more romantic than a perfectly assembled cheese board alongside a traditional baguette and a bottle of wine. Whether you’re sharing with someone special or indulging in a well-deserved treat, the fromageries of Paris are there to help you create the perfect experience.
Laurent Dubois: Master Cheesemaker
Laurent Dubois, a recipient of the prestigious “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” award, the country’s highest honor for craftsmanship, is dedicated to artisanal French cheeses. Need a recommendation? Ask the knowledgeable fromager, but we usually go straight for the aged Comté or their signature Roquefort paired with quince.
If you want to take a little piece of Paris home with you, ask the staff to vacuum-pack your purchase. This is highly recommended to prevent your entire suitcase from smelling like Eau de Camembert during a long flight.
Henri Androuet: Parisian Cheese Legacy
Henri Androuet’s Paris is another top cheese shop in the city. The fromagerie opened its doors in 1909 and has been supplying Parisians with the finest cheeses ever since. Using only raw milk and traditional techniques, Androuet even ages their cheeses in a cellar beneath the shop!
Some popular choices include Saint Nectaire and Brie de Meaux, but keep an eye out for the creamy Charolais or an aged Brie Noir. Androuet has over seven shops in the Paris metro region and even has locations in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
Fromagerie Barthélémy: Parisian Chic
Want to feel like you’re casually bumping into Catherine Deneuve on her grocery run or eating the same cheese served at the Élysée Palace? Start shopping at Fromagerie Barthélémy (51 rue de Grenelle).
Just a short walk from the Musée Maillol in the chic 7th arrondissement, Nicole Barthélémy’s charming boutique is packed to the ceiling with perfectly aged cheeses. Whether you’re looking for a creamy Mont d’Or or an earthy Saint Nectaire, Fromagerie Barthélémy will have what you’re looking for – or something even better.
La Laiterie de Paris: From Farm to Fromagerie
After exploring the classic cheese shops of Paris, head north to Pierre Coulon’s La Laiterie de Paris in the Goutte d’Or. Part boutique, part workshop, La Laiterie de Paris is the first fromagerie to transform raw milk into their sought-after products on-site.
Looking for tasty inspiration? Follow their Instagram for unique new offerings, like chèvre frais topped with za’atar, hazelnuts, date syrup, and chopped beets, and the occasional selfie with the Employees of the Month – the cows and goats themselves.
Taka et Vermo: Modern Cheese
As part of the new wave of artisanal boutiques popping up along rue du Faubourg Saint Denis, Taka et Vermo opened in 2015 to offer Parisians a bold selection of fresh, seasonal cheeses. They mix traditional favorites like Cantal, Morbier, and Saint-Félicien with chèvre frais encrusted with candied yuzu or Japanese sansho pepper. Taka et Vermo has about 200 specialties waiting for you.
Cheese Etiquette in Paris
First things first: keep your fingers to yourself. We repeat, do not touch the cheese.
In France, cheese is considered an art form. (You wouldn’t touch the paintings in the Louvre, would you?) Instead, browse the selection until a fromager comes to assist you.
If you already know what you want, let the fromager know. It’s helpful to mention whether you prefer mild or strong cheeses – you don’t want to end up with a bold Camembert if you prefer the gentler flavors of a Brie.
Otherwise, ask for a professional recommendation. We also have a guide on the types of cheese you should try when visiting France. And don’t forget to tell the fromager when you plan to eat your cheese; they’ll select a cheese that’s ripened to perfection for your enjoyment.
The Art of Enjoying Cheese
If you’re staying in Paris for a while, do as the Parisians do and buy a small piece of cheese at a time. Instead of filling your refrigerator with more cheese than you could possibly eat in a week, opt for smaller daily purchases. Not only will this prevent food waste, but it will allow you to explore the daily whims of your palate and try even more varieties of French cheese.
If you’re planning a cheese board masterpiece, your fromager can offer suggestions. Aim for a balance between soft and hard cheeses and don’t hesitate to include at least one stronger option, like a Roquefort.
Ready to eat? Wait! Don’t eat cheese straight from the fridge!
First, remove your cheeses from both the fridge and their wrappings and arrange them on a plate. Then, wait at least half an hour before serving to truly savor the full flavor.
A Cheese-Loving Conclusion
We’re pretty serious about our cheese here in Paris. If you want to experience the cheese magic for yourself, join us on our Paris Ultimate Food Tour!
