Paris, the City of Love and the City of Lights, might also be known as the City of Cheese! There’s no denying the French love their cheese, and in Paris, you’ll find an impressive array of fromageries, each boasting an amazing selection of cheeses. But with so many choices, how do you know where to find the best cheese in Paris? Don’t worry, this guide will help you navigate the cheese landscape of this charming city.
A Fromagerie Frenzy: Paris’s Best Cheese Shops
French cheese is a national treasure, and the average French person consumes an astonishing 57.9 pounds of cheese every year. That’s a lot of cheese! It’s no wonder that almost every neighborhood in Paris has at least one (if not two!) cheese shops, known as fromageries, catering to the local residents. Even supermarkets offer a fantastic selection of traditional cheeses at different prices. But if you’re looking for the real deal, take a stroll through the streets of Paris and visit the fromageries run by experts.
Laurent Dubois: Crafting Cheese with Passion
For a truly artisan experience, head to Laurent Dubois, a fromagerie awarded the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” title, the highest honor for craftsmanship in France. Laurent Dubois is a true champion of traditional French cheeses. If you need recommendations, ask the knowledgeable fromagers, but we recommend the aged Comté or their signature Roquefort layered with quince – you won’t be disappointed!
Henri Androuet: A Parisian Cheese Legacy
Henri Androuet is another legendary cheese shop in Paris, having opened its doors in 1909. They’ve been serving Parisians with the finest cheeses for over a century! This fromagerie uses raw milks and traditional techniques to create their cheeses, which are even ripened in a cellar beneath the shop! What a unique touch!
Fromagerie Barthélémy: Cheese Fit for a Star
Want to experience the same cheeses enjoyed by celebrities like Catherine Deneuve or even the French President? Visit Fromagerie Barthélémy, a charming boutique nestled in the chic 7th arrondissement. This fromagerie offers a wide variety of cheeses, from creamy Mont d’Or to earthy Saint Nectaire – you’ll find a cheese for every taste!
La Laiterie de Paris: From Farm to Cheese Shop
For an innovative cheese experience, visit La Laiterie de Paris, a unique fromagerie that transforms raw milk into cheese right on-site! This is a boutique and workshop in one! La Laiterie de Paris is constantly experimenting with flavors, offering delicious creations like chèvre frais topped with za’atar, hazelnuts, date syrup, and chopped beets.
Taka et Vermo: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Looking for something bold and exciting? Visit Taka et Vermo, a modern fromagerie in the heart of Paris. They combine classic French cheeses with modern twists like chèvre frais encrusted with candied yuzu or Japanese sansho pepper. You’ll be amazed by their 200 speciality cheeses, all waiting to be discovered!
A Guide to Cheese Etiquette in France
Now that you’ve chosen your cheese shop, it’s time to talk about cheese etiquette in France. Remember, cheese is an art form in France, so treat it with respect.
Do not touch the cheese! It’s considered rude to touch the cheeses. Instead, admire the selection and wait for the fromager to assist you. Tell the fromager your preferences – do you prefer mild or strong cheeses? Do you have a specific cheese in mind? Let them know!
The fromager will happily guide you and choose the perfect cheese for your needs. And most importantly, let them know when you’ll be eating your cheese, as they’ll help you select a cheese that is at its peak of ripeness.
Building the Perfect Cheese Board
Once you’ve selected your cheese, it’s time to create the perfect cheese board! Don’t overload your fridge with cheese – buy a small amount at a time and enjoy it fresh! Experiment with different cheeses each day and discover new flavors. When building your cheese board, aim for a balance of soft and hard cheeses and don’t forget to include a strong cheese like Roquefort.
And finally, a crucial tip: never eat cheese straight from the fridge! Let your cheese come to room temperature before you eat it. Remove the cheese from the fridge and its wrapping and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and for you to experience the full range of flavors.
So, come to Paris, embrace the cheese culture, and discover the joy of finding the perfect fromagerie!
