Patrick Oconnell
France is famous for its cheese, with the average French person eating around 57.9 pounds of cheese every year. Paris is a hub of cheese shops, or fromageries, with at least one or two in every neighbourhood. While supermarkets stock an impressive range of traditional cheeses, the real magic happens in the smaller, artisanal shops. Fromageries are all about craftsmanship, regional pride, and personalised service. If you're looking for the best cheese shops in Paris, here are some recommendations: Laurent Dubois, an MOF award winner for its many artisanal French cheeses; Quatre Hommes for traditional cheeses; and La Fermette on Rue Montorgueil for its friendly and helpful staff. For cheese and wine tastings, Paroles de Fromagers in the 10th arrondissement is a great option, while Formaticus in the 17th arrondissement is a favourite of the best restaurants in the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of varieties of cheese in France | Over 1,200 |
| Average cheese consumption per French person annually | 57.9 pounds |
| Best cheese shops in Paris | Laurent Dubois, Quatre Hommes, Barthelemy, Fromagerie Jounnault, Le Ferme Saint-Aubin, Taka&Vermo, Formaticus, Androuet, Chez Virginie, Marie Quatrehomme |
| Cheese buying tips | Decide on mild or strong cheese preference, inform the fromager about when you plan to eat the cheese, buy small amounts at a time, ask for professional recommendations |
| Seasonal cheeses | Winter: Mont D'Or, Raclette; Spring: Goat cheese (fresh chèvres); Summer: Soft rind cheeses |
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What You'll Learn
Paris' best cheese shops
Paris, the City of Love, Light, and—of course—Cheese. With fromageries scattered across the city, you're never far from your next cheesy treat. Here are some of the best cheese shops Paris has to offer.
Laurent Dubois
An award-winning fromagerie with several shops across Paris, Laurent Dubois is a must-visit for cheese lovers. They offer a wide range of artisanal French cheeses, including aged Comté and their signature quince-layered Roquefort. The staff are knowledgeable and patient, happy to guide you through their selection. They will even vacuum-pack your purchase to keep your suitcase from smelling like cheese. But be warned, their prices are said to be outrageous.
Quatrehomme
Located on the Rue de Martyrs, this smart yet inviting shop is a destination for anyone seeking gourmet experiences in Paris. Quatrehomme offers a range of traditional cheeses with an inventive twist, such as a Fourme d'Ambert blue cheese filled with fig and nut fruit jelly. Each cheese is a hallmark of innovation, reflecting the legacy of Marie Quatrehomme, the first woman to be named "Best Artisan of France" in the cheese category in 2000.
Barthélemy
This female-owned fromagerie has been a fixture of Paris for over 50 years. Packed with different kinds of cheese from all over France, the staff will guide you to new and unexpected selections. Be sure to pick up some jams and honey to pair with your cheeses.
Fromagerie Jounnault
A favorite local spot, Fromagerie Jounnault is located in the Haut Marais on Rue de Bretagne. The staff are incredibly helpful and will assist you in selecting cheeses and navigating ordering in French. With over 350 varieties of fromage, of which 90% are made with raw milk, you'll be sure to find something to your taste.
Paroles de Fromagers
For an excellent cheese and wine tasting experience, head to Paroles de Fromagers in the 10th arrondissement. The staff are very knowledgeable and will guide you through their selections.
Formaticus
Located in the 17eme arrondissement, Formaticus is a great option if you're looking for cheese near Pigalle/Montmartre.
Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or a novice, Paris has a fromagerie to suit your needs. So, get out there and start exploring the city's cheesy delights!
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Supermarket cheese aisles
France is renowned for its cheese, producing over 1,200 varieties. The average French person consumes approximately 57.9 pounds of cheese per year, and the country's dedication to the dairy product is evident in its many cheese shops and supermarket aisles. While the former is celebrated for its craftsmanship, regional pride, and personalized service, the latter offers a wide range of traditional cheeses at various price points.
The cheese aisle in a French supermarket is a sight to behold, with an array of options that can tantalize any cheese enthusiast. The displays showcase an impressive range of traditional cheeses, from creamy Camemberts to pungent Comtés, all at varying price points to suit different budgets. The supermarket offers a more centralized approach to cheese shopping, providing a broad overview of the French cheese landscape.
While the supermarket may not have the same level of personalized service as specialty cheese shops, it still allows for exploration and discovery. Shoppers can take their time perusing the aisles, reading labels, and learning about the diverse regional specialties that France has to offer. The accessibility of the supermarket cheese aisle makes it a democratic space for cheese enthusiasts from all walks of life to gather and indulge in their shared passion.
For those who are new to the world of French cheese, the supermarket cheese aisle can serve as a starting point for their culinary adventures. It provides an opportunity to sample a wide range of cheeses without having to navigate the intricacies of local cheese shops and their unique cultures. The supermarket offers a more standardized shopping experience, allowing customers to focus on the cheese itself rather than the intricacies of cheese-buying etiquette.
In conclusion, while France's specialty cheese shops hold a revered place in the country's culinary landscape, the supermarket cheese aisle should not be overlooked. It offers a convenient, accessible, and democratic approach to French cheese, allowing enthusiasts from all backgrounds to explore the country's rich dairy heritage. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a novice explorer, the supermarket cheese aisle is a valuable stop on your journey through the flavors and traditions of French cheese.
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Cheese shops near Pigalle/Montmartre
Paris is a food lover's paradise, and the city is dotted with fromageries, or cheese shops, offering a diverse assortment of cheeses produced across France. The average French person eats about 57.9 pounds of cheese annually, so it's no surprise that there are several cheese shops near Pigalle/Montmartre to choose from.
Fromagerie Lepic
Located on Rue Lepic, this fromagerie is a favourite among free guided walking tours of Montmartre. It offers a divine selection of cheeses at affordable prices, and the cashier can speak English, making ordering a breeze.
Delicate and Healthy
This fromagerie is centred around educating people about traditional French cheeses and the techniques used to create them. It is located on the lower end of Montmartre Hill, not far from the Moulin Rouge. They offer a selection of local cheeses, meats, wines, and charcuterie.
La Ferme Saint Hubert
Situated near the bottom end of Montmartre Hill, this shop is a one-stop for all things cheese and deli-oriented. They offer cured hams, dried sausages, and jam-based toppings to pair with your cheese selections. The space is packed with products, making it one of the most inclusive cheese boutiques in the area.
Fromages et Ramage
One of the few fromageries in Montmartre that will pair wines with your cheese selection. There is street seating available, so you can indulge in your purchases without having to go home first. It is located a short walk east from the Sacre Coeur.
Formaticus
Located in the 17eme arrondissement, this shop is suggested by a Redditor for those looking for a cheese shop closer to Pigalle/Montmartre.
Frescolet
This retro-style shop in the Pigalle neighbourhood dedicates much of its space to products from the Occitanie region, many of which are impossible to find elsewhere in Paris.
In addition to these specialty shops, you can also find a wide range of traditional cheeses at supermarkets and local cheesemongers. When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable fromager for recommendations, and don't forget to let them know when you plan to feast on your cheese so they can select an item ripened to perfection!
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Cheese shops in the Haut Marais
Paris, the City of Love, Light, and Cheese, is dotted with cheese shops or "fromageries" all over the city. The average French person eats about 57.9 pounds of cheese annually, so it's no surprise that there are hundreds of great fromageries to choose from.
One such neighbourhood with excellent cheese shops is the Haut Marais. Fromagerie Jounnault, located on Rue de Bretagne in the Haut Marais, is a favourite local spot. The staff are reportedly very helpful with selecting cheeses, and even with ordering in French.
Another well-known fromagerie in the Haut Marais is Jouannault, which has been run by the same family for generations. This shop is known for its dazzling displays of Comté, crottin fermier, Gruyere, Saint Marcelin, and Valencay.
For those looking to purchase cheese in the Haut Marais, it is worth noting that most French cheese shops sell varieties of cheese per kilogram, and the price will be displayed in front or on top of the cheese. The cheesemonger will guide you by asking a few questions, such as what you will be serving the cheese with and when you plan on eating it, in order to select the perfect cheese for you.
If you are looking for a simple meal to enjoy with your cheese, a popular choice in Paris is a baguette from a local boulangerie, a bottle of wine, and, of course, a few French kinds of cheese. Bon appétit!
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Buying small amounts of cheese
France is known for its cheese, with over 1,200 varieties produced in the country. The average French person eats about 57.9 pounds of cheese annually. Most neighbourhoods in Paris will have at least one, if not two, cheese shops or "fromageries" catering to its residents.
When buying small amounts of cheese in France, it is perfectly acceptable to order a quarter of a pound or 100 grams of several different types of cheese. Cheese is sold by the kilogram, so you can simply point to the cheese you want and say something like "cent grammes de cette" to indicate the amount. If you want more, say "un peu plus", and if you want less, say "un peu moins". If the amount is just right for you, you can say "oui, parfait".
It is worth noting that some cheeses come as single units, while others can be cut from a larger block. The staff at cheese shops in France are usually knowledgeable and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences. If you plan to purchase cheese to take home, especially on a long flight, consider asking the staff to vacuum-pack your cheese to avoid strong odours in your luggage.
- La Fermette: Located on Rue Montorgueil, this shop offers a friendly and helpful staff along with a variety of cheeses.
- Fromagerie Jounnault: Found in Haut Marais on Rue de Bretagne, this local spot provides helpful guidance in selecting cheeses.
- Quatre Hommes: Known for its traditional cheeses, this shop is recommended for those seeking classic options.
- Laurent Dubois: Featuring a wide range of speciality cheeses, Laurent Dubois is an MOF award winner for artisanal French cheeses.
- Barthelemy: Owned by Nicole Barthélemy for over 50 years, this shop offers a diverse selection of cheeses from all over France.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best cheese shops in Paris include Fromagerie Jounnault, Quatre Hommes, La Fermette, Barthelemy, and Le Ferme Saint-Aubin.
France has over 1,200 varieties of cheese, so it's a great place to try something new! Some popular French cheeses include Raclette, a Swiss/French cheese, and Mont D’Or, a winter cheese. Goat cheese (fresh chèvres) is best in the spring, and soft rind cheeses are perfect for summer.
When buying cheese in France, you can ask for a professional recommendation from the fromager. Let them know when you'll be eating the cheese so they can recommend something ripened to perfection. You can also buy small amounts of several different types of cheese to try a variety of flavours.
Cheese is considered an art form in France, and the French take their cheese very seriously. It's important to be polite and curious when buying cheese and not to touch anything without paying for it first. Remember that cheese is sold by the kilogram, so be prepared to order in grams.
Yes, there are a few famous cheese shops in Paris, including Laurent Dubois, which has been awarded the ""Meilleur Ouvrier de France" award, the country's highest honour for craftsmanship. Another renowned shop is Henri Androuet, which has been providing Parisians with fine cheeses since 1909.
