Simply one of the most beautiful (and expensive) fromageries in Paris. The women who run this iconic shop are famously intimidating. I happen to love them, but it took a few years before they warmed to me. You shouldn’t go here seeking an education, or even a recommendation. If you’re able to hold your own, however, you’ll be rewarded with access to some of the most delicious cheese in Paris. My personal favorite is their Ossau-Iraty, an aged sheep’s milk cheese which they sell at two and sometimes three different ages. If they happen to have a version that’s older than 18 months, spend whatever outrageous amount of money they’re asking (imagine 15€ for a small hunk) and get ready for life to change.
Practical information
Address: 51 rue de Grenelle, 75007
Nearest transport: rue du Bac (12)
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday
Telephone: 01 42 22 82 24
What people are saying
Le Figaro (2013) “C’est une petite échoppe de quartier restée dans son jus rétro mais ne vous fiez pas aux apparences, elle voit défiler devant ses bries et ses chèvres tout le Gotha mondain…Nicole Barthélémy affine avec passion ses fromages, toujours au mieux de leur saison. Nous, on reste accro au Fontainebleau, une tuerie à base de lait de vache, aérienne et mousseuse comme un tulle de mariée, dont c’est ici la grande spécialité.”
Barthélémy in video
From ChannelCheeseTV (2014)
Hi Megan! Many shops will put a few samples out in dishes, but it’s really not the practice in Paris to ask for a sample or a taste. Cheese is relatively inexpensive in Paris and you can ask for small sizes, so it’s not a huge economic risk to buy a cheese that you don’t love. My advice is to choose small sizes of a few different styles and then learn what you love!
Would it be possible to ask for samples? How do we do so in french? Will that be acceptable or considered rude?
Can you buy cheese & have it shipped?
Just brought back 36 month old Comte from Barthelemy. Love the shop.
excellents fonatainebleaux qu’il faut vite mettre au frigo et Nicole Barthélémy charmante – mais vieille vendeuse infecte à et dont la date de péremption est dépassée depuis longtemps