Paris 18 · Authentic
A family-run fromagerie since 1946, Chez Virginie offers over 150 varieties of artisanal raw milk cheeses from micro-producers, aged to perfection in specialized caves.
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Over 150 varieties of raw milk farmhouse cheeses, meticulously aged in specialized caves and sourced exclusively from small-scale producers.
At Chez Virginie, the "menu" is an ever-evolving selection of over 150 artisanal cheeses, each representing the pinnacle of traditional French fromage-making. The foundation of their offering is an unwavering commitment to raw milk cheeses from micro-producers—small farms and artisanal makers who craft cheese using time-honored methods and respect for terroir.
The selection spans the full spectrum of French cheese categories. Cow's milk cheeses range from creamy, mild varieties to complex aged specimens like the vieux Salers, a robust mountain cheese with deep, nutty flavors. Goat's milk offerings include the signature chèvre cœur de Sancerre and chèvres d'Augignac, showcasing the tangy, fresh characteristics that make French goat cheese world-renowned. The berrichon, another house specialty, demonstrates the diversity within goat cheese alone. Sheep's milk cheeses round out the dairy trinity, offering their distinctive rich, slightly sweet profiles.
What truly distinguishes Chez Virginie is their affinage expertise. Cheeses are aged in specialized caves for periods ranging from 15 days to several months, allowing them to develop optimal flavor, texture, and character. This careful maturation process transforms good cheese into exceptional cheese, bringing out subtle notes and complex flavors that only time and expertise can achieve.
Standout selections include the creamy Italian burrata, the rare and prized Bleu de Termignon (a raw milk blue cheese from the Savoie region), the pungent Soumaintrain from Burgundy, and the unique Vacherin de chèvre. The shop also features quality Italian cheeses, expanding the selection beyond French borders while maintaining the same standards of artisanal quality.
Beyond cheese, Chez Virginie offers complementary products including fine charcuterie and carefully selected accompaniments, allowing customers to create complete cheese boards. The staff's deep knowledge means they can guide you through flavor profiles, suggest pairings, and help you discover cheeses that match your preferences, whether you're seeking something mild and approachable or bold and adventurous.
A warm, neighborhood fromagerie where artisanal tradition meets genuine Montmartre charm in an atmosphere of friendly expertise.
Stepping into Chez Virginie feels like entering a treasured neighborhood secret in the heart of Montmartre. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, embodying the authentic spirit of this artistic quarter. The wooden chalet-style storefront immediately signals the artisanal nature of what lies within, creating an inviting threshold between the bustling Parisian streets and the carefully curated world of farmhouse cheeses.
Inside, the vibe is decidedly local and convivial. This isn't a sterile gourmet shop but rather a living, breathing fromagerie where the passion for cheese is palpable. The staff's expertise is evident but never intimidating—they're eager to share their knowledge, offer tastings, and help you discover new favorites. Regular customers chat with the fromagers like old friends, while newcomers are welcomed with the same warmth and attention.
The sensory experience is rich: the earthy, complex aromas of aging cheeses fill the air, creating an olfactory journey through France's diverse dairy regions. There's a sense of timelessness here, a connection to generations of cheese-making tradition that grounds the experience in authenticity. The pace is unhurried, encouraging you to take your time, ask questions, and truly engage with the products. Whether you're a serious cheese aficionado or simply curious about French fromage, the atmosphere invites exploration and discovery in equal measure.
A charming wooden chalet-style storefront houses traditional fromagerie displays where wheels and wedges of artisanal cheese create a rustic, authentic tableau.
The exterior of Chez Virginie immediately captures attention with its distinctive wooden chalet-style facade, a design choice that evokes Alpine cheese-making traditions and creates a warm, rustic aesthetic that stands out among Montmartre's typical Parisian storefronts. This architectural detail signals the artisanal nature of the establishment before you even step inside.
The interior decoration is functional yet charming, designed to showcase the star attractions: the cheeses themselves. Traditional fromagerie displays present the impressive variety of products, with wheels, wedges, and rounds arranged to highlight their diverse textures, colors, and origins. The setup allows customers to see the cheeses in their full glory—from creamy white chèvres to golden-hued aged varieties and blue-veined specialties.
The overall aesthetic is authentically French and unpretentious, prioritizing the products over elaborate decor. The space feels like a genuine working fromagerie rather than a styled boutique, with practical elements like proper refrigeration and aging conditions taking precedence. This honest, straightforward approach to decoration reinforces the shop's commitment to quality and tradition, creating an environment where the cheeses themselves become the decoration, their natural beauty and variety providing all the visual interest needed.
Three generations of family expertise in cave-aging over 150 raw milk cheeses from micro-producers, with a steadfast refusal of industrial dairy.
Chez Virginie's uniqueness lies in its uncompromising dedication to artisanal authenticity in an era of industrial food production. The family's three-generation commitment to traditional cheese-making, spanning from 1946 to today, represents a living link to France's fromage heritage. This isn't merely a shop selling cheese—it's a guardian of artisanal traditions and a champion of small-scale producers.
The specialized aging caves are a defining feature that sets Chez Virginie apart from typical cheese shops. Here, cheeses undergo careful affinage, maturing under controlled conditions that allow them to reach their peak flavor and texture. This process requires expertise, patience, and a deep understanding of how different cheeses develop over time. The result is a selection of perfectly aged cheeses that you simply cannot find in supermarkets or even many other fromageries.
The commitment to micro-producers and raw milk cheeses is another distinctive element. By refusing industrial dairy products, Chez Virginie ensures that every cheese in their selection represents authentic terroir and traditional methods. This philosophy supports small farmers and artisans while providing customers with cheeses that taste genuinely different—more complex, more interesting, more alive than their mass-produced counterparts.
The dual-location presence in Montmartre, with shops dating back to 1901 and 1954, gives Chez Virginie deep roots in the neighborhood. These aren't newcomers capitalizing on foodie trends; they're established institutions that have earned their reputation through decades of consistent quality and service.
Finally, the wine and cheese tasting workshops add an educational dimension that transforms a simple shopping trip into a learning experience. These sessions allow participants to deepen their understanding of cheese, explore pairings, and develop their palates under expert guidance—a service that reflects the family's genuine passion for sharing their knowledge and love of fromage.
Visit Tuesday through Saturday for the full selection, book tasting workshops in advance, and don't hesitate to ask for samples before buying.
To make the most of your visit to Chez Virginie, timing matters. The shops are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit between Tuesday and Saturday when you'll find the fullest selection and longest hours. Friday and Saturday offer continuous service from 9:30 AM to 7:45 PM, making them ideal for flexible scheduling. If you're visiting on Tuesday through Thursday, note the midday closure between 12:45 PM and 4:00 PM—plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.
For the rue Damrémont location, the nearest metro station is Lamarck-Caulaincourt on line 12, making it easily accessible from central Paris. The Montmartre setting means you can combine your cheese shopping with exploring this charming, artistic neighborhood.
If you're interested in the wine and cheese tasting workshops, advance booking is essential. These popular sessions fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons and around holidays. Contact the shop via email at contact@chezvirginie.com or call ahead to secure your spot.
During the holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year, reservations are strongly recommended even for regular shopping. The shops become exceptionally busy as Parisians stock up for festive meals, and pre-ordering ensures you'll get the specific cheeses you want.
Don't be shy about asking for tastings before purchasing. The staff expects this and welcomes the opportunity to help you find cheeses you'll love. Their expertise is invaluable—describe what you typically enjoy, mention any upcoming occasions or pairings you have in mind, and let them guide you to appropriate selections.
For cheese board planning, the staff can help you create balanced selections with varied milk types, textures, and flavor profiles. They can also suggest appropriate quantities based on the number of guests you're serving.
If you're new to raw milk cheeses or adventurous varieties, start with smaller portions to test your preferences before committing to larger pieces. The beauty of a well-curated fromagerie like Chez Virginie is the opportunity to explore and discover new favorites.
Finally, bring proper storage in mind—if you're not heading straight home, consider bringing a cooler bag, especially during warmer months, to maintain the cheeses in optimal condition during transport.
Chèvre cœur de Sancerre, Berrichon, Bleu de Termignon, Vieux Salers, Burrata, Chèvres d'Augignac, Soumaintrain, Vacherin de chèvre
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