They may call Paris the City of Love or the City of Light, but we’d wager it’s really the City of Cheese. And when it comes to the best cheese shops in Paris, everyone has an opinion.
France is really serious about their cheese (no, it’s not a cliché). According to a report by the International Dairy Federation, the average French person eats about 57.9 pounds of cheese annually. Most neighborhoods will have at least one (if not two) fromageries catering to its residents.
Even the cheese aisle at the supermarket offers an impressive range of traditional cheeses at a variety of price points. Nonetheless, if you’re serious about investigating the best cheeses that France has to offer, take to the streets to consult the experts.
Where to buy cheese in Paris
There’s nothing more romantic than a perfectly put-together cheese board accompanied by a baguette tradition and a bottle of wine.
Whether you’re sharing with a partner or treating yourself to some well-deserved epicurean indulgence, the fromageries of Paris are here to help.
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: Award-Winning cheeses
Awarded the prestigious title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France,” the country’s highest honor for craftsmanship, Laurent Dubois is committed to many types of artisanal French cheeses. Looking for a recommendation?
Ask a knowledgeable fromager, but we usually head straight for the aged Comté or their signature Roquefort layered with quince.
If you’d like to take a piece of Paris home, ask the staff to vacuum-pack your purchase. This is highly recommended to avoid perfuming your entire suitcase with Eau de Camembert during a long-haul flight.
Androuet: Centuries of cheese expertise
Henri Androuet’s Paris is another one of the best cheese shops in Paris. The fromagerie opened its doors in 1909 and has been providing Parisians with the finest cheeses ever since. Working exclusively with raw milks and traditional techniques, Androuet even ripens their cheeses in a cellar under the shop.
Opt for crowd-pleasers like Saint Nectaire and Brie de Meaux, but keep an eye open for the creamy Charolais or an aged Brie Noir. Androuet boasts over 7 shops in the Paris metro region, as well as outposts in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
Barthélémy
Feel like casually bumping into Catherine Deneuve on her grocery run or eating the same cheese served at the Élysée? Start shopping at Fromagerie Barthélémy ( Rue de Grenelle, 51).
A stone’s throw from Musée Maillol in the chic 7th arrondissement, Nicole Barthélémy’s petite boutique is packed to the ceiling with cheeses aged to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a creamy Mont D’Or or an earthy Saint Nectaire, Fromagerie Barthélémy will have what you’re looking for—or something even better.
Taka et Vermo
Part of the new wave of artisanal boutiques popping up along rue du Faubourg Saint Denis, Taka et Vermo opened in 2015 to offer Parisians a bold selection of fresh, seasonal cheeses.
Mixing traditional favorites like Cantal, Morbier, and Saint-Félicien with chèvre frais encrusted with candied yuzu or Japanese sansho pepper, Taka et Vermo have about 200 specialities waiting for you.
Essential tips for visiting Parisian cheese shops
Don’t touch the cheese
First things first: keep your fingers to yourself. We repeat, do not touch the cheese.
In France, cheese is elevated to an art unto itself. (You wouldn’t touch the paintings in the Louvre, would you?) Instead, take a gander at the tomes on offer until a fromager comes to assist you.
Speak up
If you already have an idea of what you’d like to buy, speak up. It’s good to have in mind whether you prefer mild or strong cheeses – you won’t want to go home with a bold Camembert if you prefer the gentle flavors of a Brie.
Otherwise, you can ask for a professional recommendation. In addition, don’t forget to let the fromager know when you’ll be feasting on your cheese; they’ll want to select an item ripened to perfection.
Go with your gut
If you’re staying in town for a while, do as the Parisians do and purchase a small hunk of cheese at a time. Rather than filling your fridge with all the cheese you imagine you’ll eat in the week, opt for small daily shops.
Not only will you avoid food waste, but you’ll be able to tune into the daily whims of your palate and try even more varieties of French cheese.
Keep your balance
If you’re keen to build the cheeseboard of your dreams, your fromager might have some suggestions. Try to maintain a balance between soft and hard cheeses, and don’t be afraid to include at least one stronger option like a Roquefort.
Grab a plate
Ready to eat? Wait! Don’t eat cheese straight from the fridge.
First, remove your cheeses from both the fridge and their wrappings and arrange them on a plate. Then, wait for at least half an hour before serving to really taste the full flavor.
Best cheese shops in Paris FAQ
How do I store cheese bought in Paris?
Wrap your cheese in wax paper and store it in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer for optimal freshness.
Can I bring cheese back home from Paris?
Yes, but check your country’s import regulations. Vacuum-sealed hard cheeses are generally safe for transport.
What is the best time of year to visit cheese shops in Paris?
Fall and winter are ideal, as many cheeses reach peak ripeness during these seasons.
Are there cheese-tasting tours available in Paris?
Absolutely. Many local companies offer guided tours that include cheese tastings at some of the city’s best fromageries.
Update Notice: This post was updated on March 10, 2025.
If you couldn’t tell, we’re pretty serious about our cheese here in Paris. If you want to get in on the action, come along on our Paris Ultimate Food Tour!
