Andy Montoya
Paris is a city synonymous with bread and cheese. The French take their cheese seriously, with the average French person consuming 57.9 pounds of cheese annually. The city is dotted with boulangeries and fromageries, with the former baking crusty baguettes, buttery brioche, sourdough, babka, and focaccia, and the latter offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses. One of the best-known bakeries in Paris is Poilâne, which has been making sourdough wheat loaves for a century. The city also boasts several excellent cheese shops, including Fromagerie Barthélémy, Henri Androuet, and La Fermette.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bakeries in Paris | Over 1,300 |
| Bread varieties | Baguette Monge, Spelt loaf, Pain fantasie, Pain de campagne, Miche, Brioche, Rye bread |
| Cheese varieties | Saint Uguzon, Comte, Cantal, Camembert, Blue cheese, Goat cheese, Brique de Ribiere, Crottin de Chavignol AOC, Le Saint-Domnin de Provence, Chaource AOC, Coulommiers, Salat Tradition, Tomme Aramits, Brie |
| Bread characteristics | Appearance, Cuisson (doneness), Inside, Taste, Smell |
| Bread appearance | Perfectly brown and yellow, signifying caramelization |
| Bread cuisson | Distinguishes a burnt baguette from a perfectly baked one |
| Bread inside | Creamy colour, limited crumbs, large irregular holes |
| Bread taste | Sweet, tangy flavour with a hint of salt |
| Bread smell | Symphony of smells with just a handful of ingredients |
| Bakeries | Eric Kayser, Tout Autour du Pain, Maison Kayser, La Chambre aux Configures, Le Petit Vendôme, Caracter du Cochon |
| Baker accreditation | Meilleurs Ouvriers or “Best Workers of France” |
| Cheese shops | Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, La Ferme d'Alexandre, Saisons Fromagerie, Alleosse, Fromagerie Chez Virginie, La Butte Fromagère, Rigattieri Daniel, Monoprix, La Cave des Abbesses |
| Cheese workshops | Paris by Mouth |
| Cheese and wine tasting | wine-tasting-in-paris.com |
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What You'll Learn
Boulangeries vs supermarkets: Where to buy bread
Paris is a foodie's dream come true, especially for those who love bread and cheese. The city is dotted with boulangeries, or traditional French bakeries, on almost every street corner, in every neighbourhood. In fact, France has over 30,000 boulangeries across the country.
Boulangeries are an integral part of French culture and are as common as cafes and bistros. The French take their bread very seriously, and many Parisians insist that bread and baguettes should be purchased fresh from a bakery, not a supermarket. The baguette, in particular, is an art form widely celebrated in France. UNESCO granted the French baguette an intangible cultural status in 2022, and Paris even has an annual competition to award the best baguette in the city.
The traditional boulangeries bake crusty baguettes, brioche, boules, and pain de campagne, a dense "country bread" that goes well with soft French cheeses like brie. Some boulangeries also offer more modern options like sourdough, babka, and focaccia. The bakers in these traditional bakeries are artisans, and their craft is respected and celebrated.
However, in recent years, supermarkets and grocery stores have also started selling bread, viennoiseries, and pastries. This is a convenient option for French households to buy their bread while doing their grocery shopping, saving time and energy. But the bread from supermarkets may not meet the same standards as boulangeries, and may contain additives, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients.
So, where should you buy your bread in Paris? The answer depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the traditional French way of buying bread and supporting local artisans, head to one of the many boulangeries in the city. If you're short on time or prefer the convenience of one-stop shopping, supermarkets can also provide a variety of bread options, although the quality may differ. Ultimately, the best bread is up to your personal taste, and with so many options in Paris, you're sure to find your favourite.
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The best bakeries in Paris
Paris is home to thousands of gourmet shops selling bread, cheese, chocolate, and pastries. Here is a list of some of the best bakeries in Paris.
Tout Autour du Pain is a bakery in Paris that has placed three times in the top ten finalists of the Best Baguettes in Paris competition. From the tender crumb to the rustic crust, their baguettes are a must-try. Their pain au chocolat is also noteworthy, with melted chocolate exploding in your mouth as soon as you take a bite. The bakery is quite small and cozy, with smoky red-bricked walls.
Pain Pain was awarded the best baguette in Paris in 2012. The baguettes here have a golden, crispy outer layer with a slightly salty taste. They also offer a selection of sweet treats, including cream puffs and mango and passion fruit eclairs. The stylish decor and wooden furnishings make it a delightful place to enjoy a coffee and people-watch.
Arnaud Delmontel is a bakery located in the 9th arrondissement, known for its breads, loaves, cakes, tarts, and traditional pastries with creative twists. The baker, Arnaud Delmontel, opened his boutique in 1999 and has since expanded to two more locations in northeastern Paris. Their pain au chocolat is flaky, melty, and buttery perfection.
La Maison d'Isabelle, a humble bakery in the Latin Quarter, won the top prize for the best all-butter croissants in Paris and the surrounding region in 2018. Their croissants are made with coveted butter from the Charentes-Poitou region, resulting in a creamy and rich taste.
Du Pain et des Idées is another bakery in Paris that is known for its superb and creatively made French pastries.
Other notable bakeries in Paris include Maison Landemaine, Liberté, Bo & Mie, Cédric Grolet, Cyril Lignac, and Utopie.
When exploring Paris, remember that the best bakeries may be found by wandering the streets and discovering hidden gems. Look for the "boulangerie" sign, which guarantees fresh baking on the premises. Enjoy your exploration of the delicious bakeries that Paris has to offer!
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The best cheese shops in Paris
Paris is a foodie's dream, with thousands of shops selling gourmet goods, including bread and cheese. Here is a list of some of the best cheese shops in the city:
Barthélemy
One of Paris' finest fromageries, Barthélemy is a small, artisanal shop that offers a dazzling selection of cheeses. The shop holds a very special place in France's culinary landscape, celebrating craftsmanship and regional pride. The personalised service transforms each cheese purchase into a special occasion.
Chez Virginie
With two locations in northern Montmartre, this fromagerie is small but mighty. The captivating window display is always filled with an avalanche of cheese, some studded with dried fruits and flowers, others in colourful wrappers.
Quatrehomme
Located on the Rue de Martyrs, this smart yet inviting shop draws you in with the unmistakable aroma of cheese. The staff are incredibly helpful, allowing you to explore at your own pace. They offer an inventive take on classics, such as a Fourme d'Ambert blue cheese filled with fig and nut fruit jelly, or a Camembert richly topped with dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate.
Laurent Dubois
With shops in the 4th, 5th, 9th and 15th arrondissements, Laurent Dubois is an MOF award-winning fromager. The shop is as patient with cheese novices as they are with more cultured palates and will vacuum pack cheese and butter for your trip home.
Hardouin-Langlet
Positioned in the heart of the Marché d'Aligre, this fromagerie is operated by Cyrille, who honed his skills as an apprentice under M. Langlet, the founder of the cheese shop. Cyrille stocks over 350 varieties of fromage, of which 90% are made with raw milk, and the shop also offers several high-quality butters.
Monbleu
Monbleu is a restaurant that doubles as an excellent cheese shop. The à la carte menu features appetizers like egg-mayo paired with mimolette or gougères made with Comté and stuffed with Brillat-Savarin. You can also order one of the best raclettes in the city, with an assortment of infused raclette cheeses.
Paroles de Fromagers
Located in the 10th arrondissement, Paroles de Fromagers offers excellent cheese and wine tastings, with knowledgeable staff.
Taka&Vermo
The best restaurants in Paris shop at Taka&Vermo, so it must be good!
Formaticus
Located in the 17th arrondissement, Formaticus is a great option if you're looking for a cheese shop close to Pigalle or Montmartre.
There are cheese shops all over Paris, so be sure to check out the ones closest to you and enjoy exploring!
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How to identify the best bread
Paris is a city brimming with gourmet food shops, bakeries, and cheese shops. With so many options, it can be challenging to identify the best bread to pair with your cheese. Here's a guide to help you in your quest for the perfect loaf:
Do Your Research
Before embarking on your culinary adventure, it's worth doing some preliminary research. Check out recommendations from food bloggers, locals, and friends who have explored Paris's bread and cheese scene. This will give you an idea of the different bakeries and their unique offerings.
Explore the City
Parisian streets are dotted with countless shops selling gourmet goods. Wander through the arrondissements, popping into various stores to sample their wares. Even the tiniest shops can offer delightful surprises, so keep an open mind and trust your senses to guide you to the best bread.
Know Your Bread Varieties
Understanding the different types of bread available will help you make an informed choice. From baguettes and pain de campagne (dense "country bread") to the more unique Spelt loaf studded with sprouted grains, each variety has its unique characteristics and flavour profiles. Consider what type of bread will best complement your cheese selection.
Consider the Baker
The baker behind the bread is just as important as the ingredients. Look for bakers who are passionate about their craft and use traditional methods or those celebrated by their peers, like the Meilleurs Ouvriers ("Best Workers of France"). These artisans take pride in their work and often produce exceptional loaves.
Evaluate the Bread
When assessing the quality of bread, consider appearance, doneness ("cuisson" in French), interior texture, taste, and smell. A perfectly baked baguette, for example, should have a golden brown crust, a creamy-coloured interior with large, irregular holes, a sweet and tangy flavour, and a complex aroma.
Pairing with Cheese
Finally, consider the cheese you'll be pairing with your bread. Softer cheeses like brie go well with denser breads like pain de campagne. If you're opting for stronger-flavoured cheeses, a baguette might be a better choice to let the cheese shine.
Remember, the definition of "best bread" is subjective. Trust your senses, embrace variety, and let your taste buds be the final judge. Bon appétit!
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How to identify the best cheese
Paris is a city that boasts a plethora of gourmet shops selling bread and cheese. When it comes to identifying the best cheese, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to understand the different characteristics of cheese, such as the type of milk used, processing methods, and texture. This knowledge will help you discover the types of cheese that align with your preferences.
One of the most popular types of cheese is cow's milk cheese, which is known for its versatility and rich, nutritious composition. It encompasses a wide range of textures, flavours, and varieties, from the mild and creamy Brie to the sharp and aged Cheddar. Cow's milk cheese is a staple in traditional European classics and innovative artisanal creations, making it a beloved culinary ingredient worldwide.
Another type of cheese to consider is goat's milk cheese, which offers a distinctive and delectable experience. Goat's milk cheese is characterised by its tangy and sometimes earthy taste, providing a delightful alternative to cow's milk varieties. It pairs exceptionally well with fruits, nuts, and honey, adding a touch of sophistication to salads, appetisers, and desserts. Goat's milk cheese also showcases a wide spectrum of textures, ranging from soft and spreadable Chèvre to firm and crumbly Bucheron.
Sheep's milk cheese is another option that stands out in the world of artisanal cheeses. It is celebrated for its rich and complex flavours, offering a unique taste profile that combines sweetness and nuttiness with a hint of earthiness. Aged sheep cheeses, such as those from the French Pyrénées, strike a delicate balance between a fatty chew and subtle impressions of grass and hay, resulting in a subtly complex flavour profile.
When selecting cheese, it is beneficial to explore cheesemongers who are also affineurs, as they store and age cheese, providing a wider range of options. Additionally, the process of cheese-making itself involves coagulating milk, forming curds, and aging the cheese to develop its distinct characteristics. The aging process contributes to the unique flavours and textures that define different types of cheese.
In conclusion, identifying the best cheese involves understanding your personal preferences, exploring different characteristics of cheese, and considering the type of milk, processing methods, and texture. By visiting the numerous gourmet shops in Paris and sampling the diverse offerings, you can discover and select the cheeses that appeal most to your palate.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 1,300 bakeries in Paris, so it's hard to pinpoint the best one. However, some notable bakeries include Eric Kayser, Tout Autour du Pain, and Roger's Chocolates.
If you're planning to eat your bread with cheese, it's recommended to get pain de campagne, or "country bread," instead of a baguette.
There are many Laurent Dubois shops in the city, and the company has received the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France award. You can also find good cheese at La Cave des Abbesses, Saisons Fromagerie, or Alleosse.
This depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer pressed (cooked or uncooked) harder cheeses like Comté and Hércule, while others prefer softer, bloomy rind cheeses.
You can enjoy your bread and cheese as part of a sandwich or a picnic with saucisson, fruit, and olives. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a sandwich from Le Petit Vendôme or Caracter du Cochon.
