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A Cheeselover's Paradise

Bonjour! Paris is a city known for many things: decadent croissants, beautiful museums, romance that permeates throughout the city, stinky men, delicious wine, but most importantly in my opinion - FROMAGE! 

This is not a backed-up fact but I seriously think Paris has the most cheese shops per capita in the world, with so many different spots offering unique cheeses, dining experiences, and just memorable moments defined by one thing - cheese. With so many options, you might be wondering, where do you even begin? I’ve got you covered.

I have been living in Paris for six months and here are my most vetted cheese spots that are worth your time (and $) whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime. 

Classic Fromageries

Fromagerie, meaning "cheese shop" in French, is where the magic happens. Here are my top three picks:

  • Barthelemy - there’s a reason why people like Ina Garten and Anthony Bourdain rave about this place. It’s a small, cozy shop and as you enter the smell of fresh cheese wafts into your nose - to me this scent is like coming home. They have so many delicious French cheeses to choose from, and you can ask the cheesemonger to pick for you because they know best!
  • Taka Vermo - another quaint and idyllic cheese haven within the city. This was the first cheese shop I stumbled into in Paris, so maybe it’s the magic of my first time but I still think this is one of my favorite cheese shops. Their cheeses are innovative, like fresh chèvre infused with fig, pesto, or truffles even! Also, for my blue cheese lovers you need to try the Gorgonzola TUB.  They scoop it for you like ice cream and it’s glorious.
  • Laurent DuBois - there are many locations of these shops in Paris which makes it incredibly easy to visit no matter where you are! Again, great selection of French cheeses like Tomme De Savoie, Raclette, and then of course fresh goat and cow cheeses like Camembert, Brie De Meaux, or even little Crottin! Also innovative cheeses in their outdoor cheese case, like a Yuzu chèvre!

Note: if you’re planning to stop and pick up cheese, grab some accouterments, and channel your inner Parisian by sitting in a park, then here is where I’d recommend going! 

Cheese and the City: Perfect Picnic Spots

Once you've chosen your cheese, find the perfect spot to enjoy it:

  • Picnic Spots - if you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, I’d recommend going to Rue De L’Universite and finding a spot in the little park over there! If you’re okay with a little distance or want a quieter space, you can cross over the Seine and sit on the walkways by the water, under the road. Jardin de Luxembourg is a stunning little oasis within the city and a good spot to relax! Over by the Marais, Place Des Vosges is a great park as well.
  • Grocery stores - if you’re lucky, some cheese stores also have accouterments. If they don’t, then go to Maisson Plisson (Beaumarchais) in Le Marais. A great spot for everything you need! They also have cheese too:) Alternatively, you can go to any open-air fruit market for good items too! If we are talking wine, they have Nicolas wine shops all over Paris so you can get a good bottle there! Causses in the 9th arrondissement also is a bit of a catch-all with nuts, wine, meats, etc. This is probably the most important - get a good-ass French baguette for your cheeseboard! Don’t disrespect the cheeses by using some wafer cracker, now is the time to pull out the big guns. Du Pain et Des Idées is superb for a boulangerie! Also - Grande Épicerie is a huge grocery store so if you find yourself nearby, stop in for typical French grocery items!

Cheese Lover's Dream: Unforgettable Dining Experiences

So maybe you don’t want to make a cheeseboard or trust your charcuterie artistry skills, but that’s okay! Here are my favorite restaurants with cheese-forward meals. 

  • Mon Bleu - it’s half a cheese shop and half a restaurant. They have raclette tastings (make sure to book the specific raclette seating) as well as insanely well-thought-out dishes, like Baked Mont D’Or and Å’ufs Mimosa (like deviled eggs but with cheese too!). Everything here is delicious and worth a visit!

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Planning Your Parisian Cheese Adventure

If you are planning a trip to Paris soon and need other recommendations, like a 3-day itinerary, or even an overview of French Cheeses, please let me know and send me any questions you have! 

Xoxo,

Emmy in Paris