Paris, Cheese, and My Piece of Nirvana: a Tour to Remember

A delectable selection of artisan cheeses from our tour, artfully arranged on a wooden board, showcasing diverse textures and flavors—minus the already savored Rogue River Blue.

It was one of those Paris mornings that practically begged for adventure. The kind where the light hits the rooftops just right, there's a chill in the air, and you realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. Our guide from Paris by Mouth Tours met us with a grin that said, “You’re not ready for what’s coming.” Spoiler: I wasn’t.

Inside Our Paris Cheese Tour

We didn’t just taste cheese, we entered an entirely different dimension of it. Eleven varieties, each with its own story, its own region, its own little slice of French pride.

We began with Coeur des Cévennes, Fleur du Maquis, and Valençay AOP, cheeses with tang, cheeses with lovely flavors that danced across the tongue. Then came the pressed beauties: Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage AOC (instant favorite for me, my friend Stephan) and the nutty, buttery Comté AOC.

Aging to Perfection: Wheels of Cheese

With so many types, it's hard to choose!

Getting down to business: cheese tasting!

By the time we reached the washed rinds, I was all in. Reblochon de Savoie (a request from me) was creamy perfection, but Trappe d’Echourgnac from Dordogne stole my heart and, eventually, space in my suitcase. (Yes, you can bring cheese home now. And I did.)

The Trappe d'Echourgnac (or cheese made by nuns). Beautiful rind, and creamy, nutty paste. Love!

There were sheep’s milk cheeses from the Basque Pyrénées, a bloomy rind Fougerus, and even Fleur du Maquis aux Herbes from Corsica, dotted with wild herbs. The surprise of the day? A bold, velvety Rogue River Blue from Oregon crowned “Best Cheese in the World” in 2019/2020. Leave it to Oregon to follow me all the way to Paris. (But I love it!)

The Fleur du Maquis with a soft rind, or as described by our host, like a "kitten's belly". For the cat lover in me, this one resonated!

Crepes, Caramel, and Contentment

After eleven rounds of cheese, logic said we should’ve been done. But Paris had other plans.

We headed to Breizh Café, home to legendary buckwheat crepes. Mine came stuffed with cheese (of course), ham, and a sunny-side-up egg, all followed by dessert crepes with caramel and melting ice cream.

“But I’m so full,” said no one, ever.

The savory buckwheat crepe filled with cheese (more cheese!), ham, and that gorgeous runny egg. I can't look at this without drooling.

Somewhere between bites two and three, I realized I’d reached peak satisfaction. Paris had officially fed me body, soul, and everything in between. It was, without question, the day I reached my cheese nirvana.

The perfect ending to a great day: a sweet crepe with caramel and ice cream.

Culture Between Courses

The next few days blurred in a happy, buttery haze of art, fashion, and good company. We wandered through Notre Dame, still as breathtaking as ever after its restoration, and spent hours at the Louvre, guided by someone who brought every painting to life with stories and secrets. (Fun fact: we visited the day before the now-famous heist — talk about timing!)

At the Louvre and the gorgeous artwork on the ceiling.

Couldn't resist the Mona Lisa

More gorgeous views in the Louvre

Last Suppers and Last Laughs

Our final dinners in Paris were a blur of flavor and laughter. At Cyril Lignac Aux Prés, we devoured Argentinian beef and a smoky, creamy eggplant starter I’m still thinking about.

Then, for our last night, Verjus stole the show. Up a narrow staircase, tucked into a funky little dining room, we shared a fixed menu that left us speechless.

No photos. No notes. Just pure enjoyment with friends, conversation, and food so good it felt almost sacred. It was the perfect way to end a week that reminded me why I travel in the first place.

The Magic That Stays With You

Now back home, the Trappe d’Echourgnac in my fridge keeps the Paris magic alive — a small, fragrant souvenir of a trip that was more about connection than consumption.

For me, the real souvenirs are the moments: morning croissant runs, laughter over long dinners, the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower through the restaurant window, experiencing the Metro (with Corinne's guidance!)

Paris reminded me that food isn’t just about feeding you; it feeds your soul. It’s a memory-maker, and those flavors, like friendship and good cheese, only get better with time.

Travel Notes

Where We Ate, What I Loved 

Paris by Mouth Cheese Tour. Hands down, one of the most delicious and educational experiences you can have in Paris. Book early!

Where we shopped for cheese—Laurent Dubois at 97 rue Saint Antoine, 75004 and tasted at Vinosfera at 11 rue François Miron, 75004 

Breizh Café — Perfect buckwheat crepes and a cozy vibe. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong.

Cyril Lignac Aux Prés — French bistro with flair. The Argentinian beef and smoky eggplant are musts.

Verjus — A tucked-away gem with a fixed tasting menu and that unmistakable Paris charm.

Have you fallen in love with Paris too? I’d love to hear about your favorite food moments, hidden restaurants, or unforgettable bites from the City of Light. Drop a comment below — let’s keep the Paris magic alive together.