Paris is renowned for its exquisite gastronomy and its love of cheese. It is safe to say that cheese is an integral part of the Parisian culinary experience. A product that will never be missing in any gastronomic establishment, neither in the small bistros, nor in the street markets. In this article, we invite you to discover the cheese route in Paris, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and delicious flavors of this delicacy.
In Paris, every corner of the city is impregnated with the tantalizing aroma of French cheese. Join us on a culinary journey that will take you through centuries of tradition and passion for cheese. Get ready to taste some of the most exquisite varieties and discover the best kept secrets of Parisian cheese culture.
Cheese history in Paris
The history of cheese in Paris is as rich as its flavors. Cheese has been a staple food in the lives of Parisians since the time of the ancient Gauls. Since then, cheesemakers have perfected their techniques and created some of the most prized varieties in the world.
During the Renaissance, Paris became an important cultural and gastronomic center, and cheese became a staple in the city’s diet. In the 19th century, with the development of production and transportation techniques, French cheese (as well as many other famous regional cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert and Roquefort), became more accessible to both Parisians and visitors to the city. Cheese markets became popular places to buy and taste fresh, aged cheeses from all over France.
The cheese tradition in Paris
The cheese-making tradition in Paris dates back to the Middle Ages, when monks began producing cheese in the monasteries of the region. Over time, cheese production spread throughout the city, and soon Paris became a center of cheese trade, with markets and specialty stores on every corner, offering a wide selection of French and international cheeses.
In addition, the culinary culture of Paris incorporates cheese in many of its recipes, such as raclette, fondue and quiche, as well as in more contemporary dishes of Parisian haute cuisine. It is also very common for restaurants in the city to offer cheese boards as a dessert option or as part of a broader dining experience. Thus, Parisians are known for their love and knowledge of cheese, and enjoy exploring the different textures, flavors and aromas offered by cheeses from all over the country.
The renaissance of artisanal cheese
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in artisanal cheese in Paris. Small producers are reviving traditional cheese-making techniques and creating unique and delicious varieties that reflect the character and personality of the region.
Cheese tasting
Paris is full of places where you can sample the best French cheese. Below, we will trace the route of a Paris exclusive food tour, pointing out the most outstanding places for you to enjoy a delicious cheese tasting:
Traditional Fromageries
If you want to eat the most delicious cheeses during your visit to Paris, you must stop by a traditional fromagerie in the city… You will be amazed by the incredible variety of French cheeses! There, expert cheesemongers will guide you through the different flavors and textures, helping you find the perfect cheese for your tastes.
The places we recommend you to visit (and that you can’t miss) are:
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois: Recognized for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship in cheese selection. They have a wide range of French cheeses, including some of the most famous and hard to find.
Androuët: Founded in 1909, it is one of the oldest fromageries in Paris. They offer an exceptional selection of French cheeses and also organize tastings and events for those interested in learning more about cheese.
Quatrehomme: Known for their focus on artisanal and farmhouse cheeses. They work closely with producers throughout France to offer a unique selection of cheeses that reflect the diversity of the country’s cheese regions.
Barthélémy: Appreciated for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of cheeses. It is a popular place with both Parisians and tourists looking to experience authentic market culture.
Fromagerie Beillevaire: This chain of fromageries is known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality products. They offer a wide range of cheeses, as well as dairy and other gourmet products.
Street markets
Paris’ street markets are the perfect place to sample a wide variety of local cheeses. There you will be delighted with all types of cheese, such as the classic brie and camembert, or the more daring roquefort and morbier.
Take a Paris food tour through the most popular markets, where you can find the best cheeses. These are the places you cannot miss:
Marché d’Aligre: It is located in the Bastille district and is known for its lively, authentic atmosphere and wide selection of fresh produce. There you will find cheese stands offering French and international varieties.
Marché des Enfants Rouges: This is the oldest market in Paris. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, including artisanal cheeses and gourmet products. It is a very popular place for both locals and visitors.
Marché Raspail: This market is known for its focus on organic and high-quality products, and is located in the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. There you will find cheese stands offering a carefully curated selection of French and other cheeses.
Marché Bastille: This market stretches along Boulevard Richard Lenoir in the Bastille district. It offers a wide range of fresh produce, including cheeses from local and regional producers.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil: Located near the Eiffel Tower, this market offers breathtaking views of the iconic structure while you shop for fresh produce. You can browse cheese stands offering a selection of French cheeses and gourmet products.
Tips and recommendations to make the most of the cheese route
Experiment with different varieties
Our first tip is to be open to trying new varieties of cheese. People tend to stick to the familiar, but, when it comes to cheese, Paris is the perfect place to experiment with different flavors and textures. So, take the opportunity to try something new and exciting!
Learn about cheese
Ask questions and talk to the expert cheesemongers. This way you can learn about the different varieties and manufacturing techniques, and discover the history and tradition behind each cheese.
Enjoy cheese with wine
Our last recommendation is one of the most delicious! Accompany the cheeses with a good glass of wine. Cheese and wine are the perfect pairing, therefore, it is ideal to take the cheese route accompanied by the best wines of the city. In fact, you can try different combinations to discover your favorite pairings and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.