The 10 Best Cheese Shops in Paris

Travel Channel went international this year for National Cheese Lover's Day January 20 with French Dairy Board managing director Charles Duque's favorite Paris cheese shops.

By: Felicia Feaster

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Photo By: Cheeses of Europe

Photo By: Pierrick Roland

Photo By: Cheeses of Europe

Quatrehomme

We asked French cheese expert and managing director, Americas of CNIEL : The French Dairy Board to offer up his favorite shops for incredible French cheese in celebration of National Cheese Lover's Day. He offered up a variety of distinctive picks for lovers of all things fromage including Fromagerie Quatrehomme. "Located on the well-heeled Rue de Sèvres at the edge of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this prestigious fromagerie was opened by Marie Quatrehomme, who was the first woman to win the title of Best Artisan for cheesemaking in 2000," says Duque. Quatrehomme's two children now run the shop and continue the shop's traditions, which includes says Duque, "her award-winning "refining" techniques and beautiful presentations." Duque recommends you try the Comté.

Quatrehomme Interior

Quatrehomme sells 200-250 varieties of cheese and creates its own "house specialties" that pair up cheese and gourmet ingredients like whiskey or fruit. "Try their divinely sharp mimolette," recommends Duque, "perfect for anyone who loves a well-aged cheddar-type cheese."

Fromagerie Laurent Dubois

The eponymous owner of Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, Laurent Dubois has been awarded the highest honor the French government bestows on craftspeople, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF). "Taste his Roquefort layered with quince paste or the Camembert stuffed with marscapone and apples," says cheese expert Charles Duque. Duque also recommends you sample the Emmental when you're at the shop.

Salon du Fromage Hisada

"Madame Hisada opened her first cheese shop in 1985 in Tokyo and a decade later was awarded a medal from the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Taste de France," says Duque of Salon du Fromage Hisada. "Her shop has a small tasting salon where you can sample any of the cheeses in the shop." Duque enjoys how Hisada weaves a Japanese sense of aesthetics into the presentation of her cheeses. "Her sophisticated Parisian clientele enjoys mozzarella topped with a cherry leaf, wasabi-flavored fresh goat cheese and cheese pairings with Japanese whiskey and sakes."

Charlicot, The Cheese Apartment

Duque says the inspiration for the unique cheese shop Charlicot, The Cheese Apartment was the owner's apartment. "She wanted to create a cozy, relaxing environment where people would like to have conversations and taste new things." The shop carries not just cheese, but honey, jam, fruit, wine, beer and delicatessen products. But Duque says that cheese is really "the star of this shop" with more than 70 different varieties. Duque recommends you sample the Époisses. And don't miss the tastings. "Tastings are encouraged and held between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. The shop requests reservations." 6 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris

Chez Virginie

"It's worth a trip up the hill to Montmartre to sample Virginie Boularouah's selection of exclusively raw-milk cheeses," says Duque of Chez Virginie's third generation "fromagères-affineurs." "Once freshly-made cheeses are delivered to Virginie's shop, she matures then in curing cellars from two weeks to several months before offering them for sale." Duque recommends you try the Brie.

Fromagerie Martine Dubois

"Martine has been hard at work at this location since 1975. In fact, she was born on the very street where her cheese shop is located, Rue Tocqueville in the 17th arrondissement," says Duque of Fromagerie Martine Dubois. Martine has been called the magician of cheese and is known for her old world style savoir faire," says Duque. "Dubois only works with producers she likes and respects so if you want to experience very special cheeses, this is the place." He recommends the Fourme d’Ambert.

Androuet

"The historic Androuet fromagerie has been sourcing and maturing exceptional cheeses since 1909," says Duque. "Their shop on Rue Mouffetard is staffed by friendly English-speakers who will be happy to explain and vacuum-seal your selections, including the utterly charming manager Patrick who grew up on a goat farm. He wrote a book called Allo les Chèvres! (Good Morning Goats!) and makes his own fromage fort (strong cheese paste) on site. Henri Androuet literally invented the concept of a modern cheese shop with Androuet, and there are now several locations of this fromagerie open throughout the city. The one in the seventh arrondissement is open on Mondays—a rarity." Duque recommends you check out the Camembert.

La Laiterie La Chapelle

"La Laiterie La Chapelle is an artisanal dairy in the heart of Paris and is the brainchild of cheese monger Paul Zindy who has brings cheese making front and center in one of the most food-focused cities in the world," says Duque. "This is one of the most interesting retail experiences in all of Paris. The artisans at this shop manufacture and refine 100 percent Ile-de-France raw milk cheeses." The shop sources their milk from the Vexin region close to Paris. "Try anything from this shop - it’s fresh and wonderful!" says Duque.

Barthélémy

If you are looking for a consummately chic French cheese shop, then Duque recommends the lovely Barthélémy. "This is simply one of the most beautiful (and expensive) fromageries in Paris," says Duque who recommends you try the Pont l’Évêque.

Alléosse

"This very modern shop has its own cheese-ripening caves," says Duque of Alléosse. "Although the caves are off limits to anyone not involved in the cheese-making process, it’s a peek into the artisanal world of the Alléosse family’s world of cheese. Each of the four maturing cellars feature a select type of cheese. This shop is an institution and often visitors will meet the cheese master, Phillipe Alléosse who loves greeting patrons."

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The 10 Best Cheese Shops in Paris

Related To:

Shop This Look

Quatrehomme

Quatrehomme Interior

Fromagerie Laurent Dubois

Salon du Fromage Hisada

Charlicot, The Cheese Apartment

Chez Virginie

Fromagerie Martine Dubois

Androuet

La Laiterie La Chapelle

Barthélémy

Alléosse

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