In the warmer months in Paris, hunting for the perfect ice cream scoop becomes your new favorite sport.
In the past few years, Paris has upped its ice cream game. We’re not just talking about your grandma’s vanilla – though respect to the classics. We’ve got flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take.
Each little shop is a world of its own, offering everything from “I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-just-fruit” natural ice creams to those tailor-made concoctions with flavors you could’ve never imagined working well together.
In this guide, I’ll be your trusty companion, steering you through the streets of the French capital to unearth the best ice cream spots in Paris.
We’ll laugh, we’ll cry (hopefully from joy), and most importantly, we’ll eat ice cream.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of Parisian ice cream, shall we?
1. Berthillon
- Address: 2 Quai d’Orléans, 75004 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: Family-owned French ice cream parlor from the 1950s
Established in 1954 by Raymond Berthillon, Berthillon Ice Cream has become an iconic brand in the world of French glacé. It began as a family endeavor at their café on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île and quickly gained fame for its exceptional flavors and quality.
Today, Berthillon represents a beloved family business whose passion for ice cream can be tasted in every scoop.
Located in the heart of Paris on the charming Île Saint-Louis, the ice cream parlor is ensconced among quaint shops and eateries, making it a delightful stop for visitors strolling along the Seine. The area itself exudes a historic Parisian elegance that perfectly complements the traditional and familial essence of this renowned ice cream parlor.
The shop’s decor, with subtle nods to its longstanding history, invites patrons to indulge in the meticulously prepared sweet treats within a timeless, cozy ambiance.
Stepping into Berthillon, you’ll be greeted by an array of vibrant ice creams and sorbets. Each is made with natural ingredients sourced from the early morning markets—the commitment to quality beginning from the very first ingredient.
Full-bodied milk, sumptuous cream, and fresh eggs are crafted into a variety of traditional flavors, including the ever-popular vanilla ice cream.
Visitors often gravitate towards the homemade delights like the ice cream Tatin or the Belle Hélène. These classic offerings share space with an impressive selection of sorbets bursting with the flavors of wild strawberries, pear, and apricot.
The appeal of Berthillon lies not just in its famous traditional flavors, but in the steadfast dedication to handcrafting ice cream and sorbets that resonate with the simple-yet-profound pleasures of authentic French glacé.
The famous Berthillon remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest ice cream in Paris!
2. Pierre Hermé
- Address: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
- Price: €€€
- Known for: Award-winning pastry chef and chocolatier
Pierre Hermé, a name synonymous with French pastry excellence, holds a distinct position in the pantheon of Parisian confectionery.
Known widely for their award-winning macarons, this brand represents the pinnacle of a dessert experience. Hermé, an internationally acclaimed pastry chef and World Pastry Champion, has elevated the traditional ice cream to an art form.
Located in the heart of the city, one of Pierre Hermé’s shops exudes a blend of modern allure and timeless charm. The space is minimalistic yet inviting—each design element carefully chosen to showcase the desserts as pieces of art in their own right.
The array of flavors mirrors Pierre Hermé’s reputation for creativity with interesting flavors often cleverly paired with his iconic macarons. The innovative approach to blending tastes, such as the rich chocolate bars coupled with subtle flavors, has intrigued and delighted taste buds.
The vanilla macaron, lemon sorbet, and the uniquely combined pistachio and strawberry, are exemplary of Pierre Hermé’s craftsmanship and ingenuity in flavor.
These best-selling favorites have solidified Pierre Hermé’s reputation in Paris’s competitive ice cream landscape. Each spoonful reflects the culinary expertise that has shaped the brand, maintaining its status as a must-visit for ice cream lovers looking for the best ice cream spots in Paris.
⚡ Related Read: 7 Bakeries with the Best Croissants in Paris
3. La Maison Du Chocolat
- Address: 19 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: Paris-based chocolatier offering fancy candies, plus macarons, pastries & ice cream
Since its establishment in 1977, La Maison Du Chocolat has been synonymous with expert French craftsmanship in the realm of chocolate-making.
Rooted in a rich tradition, the chocolatier has distinguished itself with a profound understanding of flavor compositions, masterfully crafting chocolates that journey through taste. Strategically located in the heart of Paris, with iconic outlets on the prestigious Boulevard Haussmann and the charming Rue du Bac, the proximity to renowned Parisian landmarks like Le Bon Marché adds to its allure.
Each boutique is a haven for chocolate connoisseurs, enveloping visitors in an ambiance that melds classic elegance with artisanal warmth.
The interior of the shops reflects the luxury of the products, with sleek displays and a welcoming environment crafted by skilled pastry chefs. A visit to this ice cream shop is an experience that captures all senses!
Infamous for its inventive dark chocolate and milk chocolate recipes, the chocolatier translates this expertise into its frozen delights.
Each spoonful tells a story, whether it’s the depth of cocoa in their chocolate scoops or the creamy subtleties of their vanilla. Their best-selling flavors consistently draw crowds, a testament to the persistent appeal of their high-quality craftsmanship.
⚡ Related Read: 6 Cafés & Chocolateries with the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
4. La Glace Alain Ducasse
- Address: 38 Rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: Ice cream shop using house-roasted chocolate and innovative flavors
In the 11th arrondissement of Paris, along the bustling Rue de la Roquette, there lies a temple to frozen delicacies, La Glace Alain Ducasse. This sophisticated ice cream shop stands out due to its commitment to natural products and culinary excellence, a reflection of its founder’s passion for quality and innovation.
The shop boasts of handmade ice cream prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each batch has the perfect balance of flavors.
High-quality whole milk serves as the foundation of their creamy gelatos, and the fruit they use is freshly selected and prepared through distinct culinary methods to enhance its natural essence.
🍨 Their vanilla gelato, a favorite among connoisseurs, is a harmonious blend of three different vanillas from Mexico, Tahiti, and Madagascar – each contributing a unique note to the final product.
The shop takes pride in its innovative flavors like Olive Oil gelato and Salted Butter Caramel, each offering an intense and delightful taste adventure.
These creations are made in small batches to ensure the utmost freshness and quality, which has garnered a loyal following.
Visitors can indulge in an array of gourmet choices that truly epitomize the artistry of ice cream making. They even offer home delivery of their ice cream creations through Uber Eats!
5. Une Glace À Paris
- Address: 15 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: Quaint ice cream shop run by award-winning pastry chefs
In the heart of Paris, Une Glace À Paris emerged in 2015 from the passion and expertise of two reputable figures in the ice cream and pastry world. Emmanuel Ryon, who holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France Glacier, and Olivier Ménard combined forces to open this shop and it’s been a hit ever since.
Their shop lies on the bustling Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, a street that breathes the quintessence of Parisian charm. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with an atmosphere that blends tradition and innovation, where the hum of artisanal machinery crafting ice cream can be heard.
The space boasts a modern yet inviting ambiance where each scoop is served with a dash of Parisian elegance. Their frozen confections are celebrated for their inventive flavors and superior-quality ingredients.
Among these, extraordinary selections such as Green Tea and Caramel ice cream stand out.
They masterfully elevate classical tastes with a creative twist, much to the delight of ice cream enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth who seek out the extraordinary.
The best-sellers of Une Glace À Paris capture the essence of French dessert culture, enticing customers to return frequently. The demand for these flavors is a testament to Ryon and Ménard’s dedication to their craft.
As seasons change, so do their offerings, ensuring that each visit to Une Glace À Paris offers a new taste of their frozen mastery.
6. Glace Bachir
- Address: 58 Rue Rambuteau, 75003 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: 100% organic, Lebanese-style ice cream topped with crushed pistachios
In the picturesque 3rd arrondissement of Paris, only moments away from the bustling Centre Pompidou and Châtelet-Les Halles, an exceptional ice cream parlor called Glace Bachir offers a delightful escape.
This establishment proudly bears the heritage of Lebanese craftsmanship, distinguished by its dedication to 100% organic ice cream.
The journey of Bachir began in the village of Bikfaya, Lebanon, where two brothers, Edouard and Maurice, started creating their ice cream recipes in 1936.
Their family-run shop quickly turned into a cherished gathering spot, renowned for its cool treats, especially during the summer months. Decades later, the founders’ granddaughters brought the cherished flavors of their childhood summers to Paris.
The ambiance of the shop embraces the quaint charm with the modern touch. It is both an ode to their rich Lebanese heritage and a nod to contemporary Parisian chic. Visitors walk in to discover a world of unique textures and tastes.
A flavor that is particularly popular here is the famous Achta ice cream, renowned for its creamy milk-flower base, generously coated with crushed pistachios.
At Bachir, the emphasis on organic ingredients extends to each flavor, ensuring a refreshing, responsible indulgence.
Among the variety, certain flavors stand out, like the tropically influenced, coconut milk ice cream, beloved for its velvety consistency and pure taste. This quaint shop is not just a place to enjoy ice cream, but an immersive experience of Lebanon’s culinary artistry.
When it comes to finding the best ice cream in Paris, this one is definitely my personal favorite and one of the most unique.
7. Amorino
- Address: 121 Rue Saint-Martin 119, 75004 Paris, France
- Price: €€
- Known for: Authentic Italian ice cream chain in Paris
Founded in 2002 by two childhood friends with a passion for gelato, Amorino quickly established itself as a go-to destination for authentic Italian ice cream in Paris.
The original location on Ile Saint-Louis became a hub for both locals and tourists seeking the craftsmanship of the best Italian ice cream maker. They pride themselves on creating high-quality gelato using natural ingredients, free from artificial additives.
Each Amorino shop, with its distinctive European charm, offers customers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The gelato’s unique presentation in a rose shape has become synonymous with the brand, making it not just a dessert but a work of art. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy gelato or the refreshing zest of a sorbet, each scoop is a testament to Amorino’s dedication to tasting excellence.
Amorino will take your palate on a journey with an array of flavors, ranging from classic to innovative. Guests here often rave about additions like the gelato-filled macaron that sits atop the cone like an edible crown.
Popular picks like the pistachio and salted butter caramel remain timeless favorites, while seasonal varieties bring in a wave of new admirers.
Their option to combine flavors without limits allows for an individualized experience.
The brand’s signature ‘unlimited flavors’ policy means that with every visit, you can curate your own ice cream cone filled with layers upon layers of delicious gelato. This policy gives you the flexibility to mix and match flavors and ensures that every cone is as unique as the individual enjoying it.
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This 10-page Paris travel guide includes:
- Practical tips for visiting Paris
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Wednesday 21st of February 2024
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