A Cheese Tour through Paris

“Cheese-making is a part of French heritage, with age-old traditions and unmatched know-how,” says Monsieur Alléosse, purveyor of quality cheese at his eponymous Parisian fromagerie, Alléosse.  Located close to the Arc de Triomphe –  and just 15 minutes’ drive from Hotel YAC Paris Clichy, a member of Radisson Individuals– Alléosse is an authentic cheesemonger focused on preserving age-old traditions. Monsieur Alléosse works hard to support local producers, and also has cave facilities where he matures his cheese using traditional methods, resulting in the finest artisan fromage. His bestsellers are Comté, Camembert and Reblochon, but you must try his famous ‘Le Mystére d’Ambert’, a classic Fourme D’Ambert enriched with nuts, raisins and a top secret ingredient.

Virginie Boularouah, a third generation cheesemonger, is at the helm of this spectacular cheese shop, Chez Virginie in Montmartre, having taken over the business from her father in 1995. Her passion for the product is clear: she travels across the country meeting producers and farmers (some of whom she’s known her whole life) to source the best and most interesting cheeses in France for her customers. The shop also sits atop state-of-the-art curing cellars, allowing Virginie to ensure the product she sells remains perfect. Interestingly, the store only sells raw milk cheeses, but this has no impact on the delicious offerings available to buy.

With an on-street display case set up outside, La Ferme Saint Hubert entices passers-by to wander in and peruse their wares. Indoors, alongside an incredible choice of cheese displayed behind a glass cabinet, this store also sells a wide selection of cured meats, chutneys, canned goods and bread – making it the perfect place to visit if you’re planning a picnic or a trip to a friend’s for ‘apéros’.

This tiny, traditional cheese shop is said to sell cheese to members of the French State, and is a favorite of French actresses Charlotte Gainsbourg and Catherine Deneuve. With clientele like that you know the cheese at Barthelémy is going to be good, and expensive. The owner, Madame Barthelémy, is quite a character, but her knowledge of cheese is astounding. Try the house specialty, a fluffy Fontainebleau, or ask about her seasonal specials.

This sleek and stylish chain of fromageries is named after owner Laurent Dubois, who was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (a prestigious title awarded to exemplary craftsmen by the French Government) in 2000. His reputation, along with his inventive creations, means that over the weekend you will regularly find queues out the door at Laurent Dubois at all 4 locations. Try one of Laurent’s extra old Comtés, or a delicious stuffed Camembert.

A day of touring the wonderful city of Paris and tasting all the cheese of offer is likely to lead to fatigue. By the end of the day, you'll want a comfortable place to rest and recuperate for the next day. Stay in Paris' charming Boulogne-Billancourt district at Radisson Blu Hotel, Paris Boulogne, which will easily connect you to any of these fromageries in town. Alternatively, enjoy easy access to downtown Paris at Hotel YAC Paris Clichy, a member of Radisson Individuals.