Cheese Connoisseurs: Paris' Best Fromageries

where to find the best cheese in paris

Paris is a city of love, light, and, of course, cheese. France takes its cheese seriously, with the average French person consuming 57.9 pounds of cheese annually. The city is filled with fromageries, each offering a unique selection of cheeses from across the country. Whether you're after a classic like Camembert or Comte, or something more unique like a black garlic Mancha cheese, Paris has something for every cheese lover. So, where can you find the best cheese in Paris?

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Fromagerie Quatrehomme

Today, Fromagerie Quatrehomme is run by Bernadette and Henri's children, Nathalie and Maxime. The flagship boutique on Rue de Sèvres is a bright and airy space, dominated by a central table of pre-cut cheese portions with hand-written labels. The staff are always on hand to offer advice and share their passion for cheese and wine pairings.

The Quatrehomme family name has become well-known in the world of French cheese. Marie Quatrehomme, the first woman to be named "Best Craftsman of France" in 2000, put the family on the map in the world of cheesemaking. This prestigious title is awarded during a competition among professionals across various craft categories. Marie received the title when the Cheese category was first introduced to the competition, and her success boosted the development of the family's cheese shop. In 2014, Marie Quatrehomme was promoted to the rank of "Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur", the highest honorary decoration in France.

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Fromagerie Laurent Dubois

The original shop, located on Rue de Lourmel in the 15th arrondissement, was opened by Laurent Dubois himself in 1996. Laurent is a Maître Fromager (Cheese Master) and a MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France or Best Craftsman in France), an esteemed distinction awarded to him in 2000. His passion for cheese began in the late 1980s, and he embarked on a journey to master the art of cheese, from milk collection to cheesemaking and maturation.

Today, Fromagerie Laurent Dubois offers over 250 varieties of cheese, a remarkable expansion from the initial 50 types offered when Laurent first started. The shops showcase different types of cheese beautifully, with one reviewer noting that the cheese is almost too beautiful to eat! The fromagerie is particularly known for its Cantal "entre-deux," a cheese that stands between young and aged Cantal.

One of the standout locations of Fromagerie Laurent Dubois is on Rue St Antoine, where you can find fresh cheese and crackers to enjoy in the nearby Place des Vosges. Another notable branch is situated off Boulevard Saint-Germain, near the Maubert Matulité metro stop. This area boasts a fantastic boulangerie and patisserie, making it a must-visit for those seeking a true French culinary experience.

In addition to his shops, Laurent Dubois owns a prestigious restaurant, Le Printemps du Goût, located on the 8th floor of Le Printemps. Here, you can indulge in the perfect Croque Monsieur, paired with a glass of Côte du Rhône, while taking in breathtaking views of the Parisian rooftops and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

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Fromagerie Goncourt

La Fromagerie Goncourt is a cheese shop near Place de la République in Paris, founded by Clément Brossault. After working as a financial controller at the bank Société Générale, Brossault decided to change careers and follow his passion for cheese. He embarked on a "Cheese Tour de France", cycling around the country for several months, before opening La Fromagerie Goncourt in 2013.

The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and sense of community. Brossault values building relationships with both his clients and employees, treating everyone like family. Every year, the Fromagerie Goncourt team travels to a different region in France to discover new cheeses and flavours. They also organise an annual street party on rue Abel Rabaud, with games, activities, and tastings led by local businesses.

La Fromagerie Goncourt offers a wide selection of cheeses, including Corsican cheeses that are hard to find elsewhere, such as Calenzana. They cater to various occasions, whether it's for a picnic or an aperitif. You can find everything from cheese and sausage to healthy snacks and other treats. Brossault guarantees reasonable prices for everyday cheeses.

The shop promotes traditional cheese-making methods and the use of raw milk. They work with local producers and emphasise the importance of seasonal variations in their cheese selection, ensuring their customers experience the best flavours that each season has to offer.

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La Fermette

One customer raved about their discovery of the shop, stating that they accidentally stumbled upon it on a rainy day and were delighted by the variety of choices. They were impressed by the staff's patience and recommendations, which led them to purchase almost 10 different cheeses, all of which exceeded their expectations. The customer particularly highlighted the truffle camembert, goat cheese with honey, and the unique lavender cheese as standout choices.

Another reviewer praised La Fermette's simple cheese tray, which offers a great value for under 10 euros. This option is ideal for those who want to explore new cheeses without committing to larger quantities. The reviewer also mentioned that the staff's limited English was not an issue, as the platter option made ordering easier.

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Laiterie de Paris

The cheeses of Laiterie de Paris are rich cow's milk cheeses, such as Saint-Félicien, as well as a variety of goat cheeses. The shop also produces butter, yoghurt, fromage blanc, and fresh milk. Laiterie de Paris also sells beer, wine, jam, and honey, which pair well with their cheeses.

The shop is located in the eastern side of the 18th arrondissement, a developing food hub that is home to microbreweries and farmer co-ops. The area is often overshadowed by the picturesque Montmartre neighbourhood. Laiterie de Paris is currently working on a project to age some of its cheeses in the caves left over from the defunct Montmartre stone quarry, located just a few blocks from the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Fromagerie Barthélémy, located on Rue de Grenelle, 51, is a small boutique with a wide variety of cheeses aged to perfection. The shop is owned by Nicole Barthélemy and has been in business for over 50 years.

Some of the best fromageries in Paris include Fromagerie Goncourt, Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, Fromagerie Jounnault, and Fromagerie Quatrehomme.

Some of the best cheese shops in Paris include Le Ferme Saint-Aubin, La Fermette, Henri Androuet’s Paris, and Monbleu.

Some unique cheeses you can find in Paris include the black garlic Mancha cheese, a unique variant of Spanish Manchego with a smoky, marbled twist from the black garlic, and the juniper-smoked goat’s cheese, with a fruity and salty flavour profile.

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