Fromagerie Jouannault Review

If you’re strolling through the lively streets of the Marais, a short walk from the Marché des Enfants Rouges will lead you to a quiet but beloved spot among cheese lovers, Fromagerie Jouannault. This family-run Parisian cheese shop has been serving locals for over two generations and stands out for its authentic atmosphere, honest service, and high-quality selection. It may not be the most polished or Instagram-ready fromagerie in Paris, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Whether you’re picking up cheese for a picnic, hunting for edible souvenirs, or simply want to taste something genuinely French on a Paris food tour, Jouannault offers a down-to-earth and rewarding experience.

Location and Atmosphere

The shop is located on Rue de Bretagne, a street full of local food gems. From the outside, Jouannault feels unpretentious, a traditional storefront with wooden panels and displays that spill out toward the sidewalk. On busy market days, you might find a few people queuing just outside the door, especially locals grabbing a quick wedge of their favorite brie.

Inside, the space is compact but inviting. What makes this fromagerie particularly interesting is the 17th-century cheese cave hidden downstairs, where some cheeses are aged on-site. The shop layout is efficient, and even when it’s crowded, things move with a certain rhythm. I love that the experience feels intimate and local,and this is a real neighborhood cheese shop that hasn’t changed much with time — in the best way possible.

Cheese Selection

Fromagerie Jouannault focuses on classic French cheeses and doesn’t try to overwhelm visitors with hundreds of choices. The selection is well-curated, favoring quality over quantity. Expect to find excellent examples of brie, camembert, aged comté, and tangy goat cheeses. The staff are happy to guide you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what’s on offer.

What makes the selection special is the focus on small-scale producers and seasonal rotation. While you might not find many bold experimental cheeses here, everything feels intentional. Some cheeses are pre-cut and wrapped, while others are sold “à la coupe,” which means you can ask for exactly the size you want. This is how I like to try multiple cheeses without overspending!

Customer Experience

Jouannault is known for its straightforward and sometimes no-nonsense service. The cheesemongers may not always be chatty, but they are knowledgeable and respectful. Once you start asking questions, they’re usually generous with recommendations and genuinely want you to leave happy with your selection.

Tourists are welcome, and the staff make an effort to assist even if you don’t speak French. That said, this isn’t the kind of shop where you should expect small talk or tastings. The focus is on helping you find the right cheese and getting you on your way politely, efficiently, and with care.

One detail worth noting is that service can feel slow during peak times, especially around lunchtime and in the early evening. Still, the calm and steady pace adds to the experience, and you’ll likely notice how regular customers are handled with quiet familiarity.

Value and Accessibility

Prices at Jouannault are fair, especially considering the quality and the aging process involved. It’s not the cheapest cheese shop in Paris, but it’s far from overpriced. Because you can choose your portion size, you have full control over how much you spend.

There’s no pressure to buy in bulk. Whether you want just a few slices for snacking or a full picnic spread, the staff will help you get exactly what you need. For travelers looking to bring something home, the shop offers basic packaging, though options like vacuum sealing or elaborate gift boxes are limited.

Why Visit

Fromagerie Jouannault isn’t flashy or modern, but it’s authentic. It offers a quiet, grounded experience that reflects the rhythms of everyday life in Paris. If you’re looking for a cheese shop that feels real (not curated for tourists) this is a great choice.

The 17th-century cave, the friendly but focused service, and the excellent selection of French staples all make this shop worth a detour. I always recommend this place for travelers who want to try trusted French cheeses without the overwhelm of too many options.