While Paris might be renowned as the City of Love or the City of Lights, it truly earns the title of City of Cheese. From humble neighborhood fromageries to elegant boutiques, Paris offers a captivating cheese experience for every palate.
The French Cheese Obsession: A Nation of Cheese Lovers
The French have a deep-rooted love affair with cheese, which goes beyond mere culinary pleasure. It’s a cultural cornerstone. Did you know the average French person consumes an astounding 57.9 pounds of cheese per year? That’s a lot of brie and camembert! The sheer volume of cheese consumed underscores the importance of cheese in French life. Every neighborhood boasts at least one, if not two, dedicated cheese shops, known as fromageries, catering to local residents. Even the supermarket cheese aisle presents a delectable array of traditional cheeses, offering a diverse range of flavors and price points.
However, to truly delve into the world of French cheese, to discover the hidden gems and experience the best the country has to offer, you must venture beyond the supermarkets and seek the expertise of the fromagiers themselves.
Where to Find Your Perfect Slice of Parisian Cheese
A cheese board in Paris is more than just a snack; it’s a culinary symphony, a celebration of French culture. Whether you’re sharing with a loved one or treating yourself to a gourmet indulgence, the cheese shops of Paris are ready to guide you.
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Laurent Dubois, a recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, is a master craftsman dedicated to artisanal French cheeses. He embodies the spirit of traditional cheesemaking, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity. Dubois’s shop is a haven for cheese lovers, offering a selection of aged treasures like Comté and their signature Roquefort layered with quince. If you need guidance, ask a knowledgeable fromager for a recommendation.
Henri Androuet: A Century of Cheese Excellence
Henri Androuet has been delighting Parisians with exceptional cheese since 1909. This renowned fromagerie upholds the highest standards of quality, working exclusively with raw milks and using traditional techniques. Their cheeses mature in a cellar beneath the shop, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to their flavors. From crowd-pleasing classics like Saint Nectaire and Brie de Meaux to the creamy Charolais and the aged Brie Noir, Androuet’s selection is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
With multiple shops in the Paris region and outposts in the United Kingdom and Sweden, Androuet’s influence extends far beyond the city limits.
Fromagerie Barthélémy: A Taste of Parisian Elegance
For a taste of Parisian elegance, visit Fromagerie Barthélémy. Located in the chic 7th arrondissement, just steps from the Musée Maillol, this quaint shop is packed with exquisitely aged cheeses. Nicole Barthélémy, the proprietor, is a true cheese connoisseur, carefully curating a selection that satisfies even the most discerning palate. From the creamy Mont d’Or to the earthy Saint Nectaire, you’ll find a cheese to suit your fancy.
La Laiterie de Paris: Where Cheese is Made Fresh
To experience the true artisanal spirit of cheesemaking, head to Pierre Coulon’s La Laiterie de Paris in the Goutte d’Or. This unique establishment combines a boutique with a workshop, where raw milk is transformed into delicious cheeses on site. Their Instagram account showcases the freshest offerings, including unique creations like chèvre frais topped with za’atar, hazelnuts, date syrup, and chopped beets. You might even catch a glimpse of the stars of the show—the cows and goats themselves!
Taka et Vermo: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Part of a new wave of artisanal boutiques, Taka et Vermo, opened in 2015, offers Parisians a bold selection of fresh, seasonal cheeses. They blend traditional favorites like Cantal, Morbier, and Saint-Félicien with innovative creations like chèvre frais encrusted with candied yuzu or Japanese sansho pepper. With over 200 specialities, Taka et Vermo is a cheese lover’s dream.
Navigating the Cheese Counter: A Guide to Etiquette
When venturing into a Parisian cheese shop, remember to respect the cheese! Touching the cheese is considered a faux pas, like touching artwork in a museum. Instead, admire the cheeses and allow a fromager to assist you.
If you have a specific cheese in mind, let the fromager know. They will gladly guide you, taking into account your preferences for mild or strong flavors. They will also consider the ripening stage of the cheese, ensuring you select a cheese that’s at its peak of flavor.
Building Your Perfect Cheese Board: A Parisian Approach
Embrace the Parisian approach to cheese: buy small amounts and experiment with different varieties. Instead of stocking your refrigerator with a week’s worth of cheese, opt for daily visits to your favorite fromagerie. This allows you to indulge in a wide range of cheese while avoiding waste and embracing the spontaneity of cheese discovery.
When creating your cheese board, aim for a balance of textures and flavors: soft and hard cheeses, mild and strong cheeses. Don’t hesitate to include a stronger option like Roquefort for an added kick.
The Art of Serving Cheese: Bringing Out the Best Flavors
Cheese deserves respect, even after you’ve purchased it. Don’t rush to eat cheese directly from the refrigerator. Instead, remove the cheese from its wrapping and let it sit at room temperature for at least half an hour before serving. This allows the cheese to soften and release its full flavor.
Indulge in the City of Cheese and experience the magic of Parisian cheese shops. Let the fromagers guide you on a journey of flavor, discovery, and pure cheese delight!
