Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Paris
Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by April Nicole
Looking for the best ice cream in Paris? Check out these incredible options below!
Finding the best ice cream in Paris can be an exciting yet overwhelming adventure.
With its charming streets and numerous patisseries, Paris offers a plethora of ice cream shops that boast unique flavors and artisanal creations.
However, the abundance of options can make it difficult for both locals and tourists to identify the truly exceptional spots.
During my frequent visits to Paris, I have scoured the city for the finest ice cream parlors, sampling a wide variety of flavors and textures. My expertise stems from years of exploring Parisian cuisine and a genuine passion for desserts.
This guide aims to solve the dilemma of where to find the Best Ice Cream in Paris by highlighting top recommendations based on personal experience, ensuring that every scoop you taste is nothing short of delightful.
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of where to find the best ice cream in Paris :
What Makes a Great Ice Cream Spot?
When it comes to finding the best ice cream in Paris, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Freshness and Quality of Ingredients: The best ice cream is made from fresh, natural ingredients.
- Variety of Flavors: A good ice cream shop offers a wide range of flavors, from classic to exotic.
- Ambiance and Location: The setting of the ice cream shop adds to the overall experience.
- Unique Offerings: Vegan options, gluten-free choices, and innovative flavors make a shop stand out.
Now, let’s dive into the top ice cream spots in Paris!
Berthillon: A Parisian Classic
Location: Île Saint-Louis
Berthillon is synonymous with ice cream in Paris. Located on the charming Île Saint-Louis, this legendary ice cream shop has been serving up some of the city’s best scoops since 1954. Berthillon is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and classic flavors.
Highlights:
- Classic Flavors: Berthillon is famous for its traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The ice cream here is incredibly rich and creamy, a testament to their meticulous preparation process.
Personal Experience:
On my first visit to Berthillon, I was instantly captivated by the quaint, old-world charm of the shop. The line was long, but it moved quickly, and the wait was worth it. I opted for a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of salted butter caramel. The vanilla was rich and fragrant, while the salted butter caramel had a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Vanilla
- Salted Butter Caramel
Amorino: Artisanal Gelato with a Twist
Location: Multiple Locations Across Paris
Amorino is a gelato lover’s paradise. Known for its beautiful presentation and organic ingredients, Amorino’s gelato is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The gelato is shaped into a delicate flower, making it almost too pretty to eat.
Highlights:
- Gelato Shaped Like a Flower: The signature flower-shaped cones are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
- Organic Ingredients: Amorino prides itself on using organic and natural ingredients in its gelato.
Personal Experience:
Every visit to Amorino is a treat. The first time I saw the flower-shaped gelato, I was amazed by the artistry. I chose pistachio, which was incredibly smooth and had an intense, nutty flavor. The mango sorbet was equally impressive, bursting with fresh, fruity notes.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Pistachio
- Mango Sorbet
Pozzetto: Authentic Italian Gelato
Location: Le Marais
Pozzetto brings a slice of Italy to the heart of Paris. This charming gelato shop in Le Marais offers authentic Italian gelato with a focus on simplicity and quality. The gelato at Pozzetto is known for its smooth texture and rich flavors.
Highlights:
- Authentic Italian Gelato: Pozzetto’s gelato is made using traditional Italian methods.
- Smooth Texture: The gelato is incredibly smooth and velvety.
Personal Experience:
Pozzetto quickly became a favorite of mine after a stroll through the vibrant Le Marais district. The shop’s quaint setting and friendly service made the experience memorable. I tried the gianduja (chocolate and hazelnut), and it was divine. The lemon sorbet was refreshing and perfect for a warm day.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Gianduja
- Lemon Sorbet
Glaces Glazed: Bold and Unusual Flavors
Location: Multiple Locations, Including Food Markets
For those looking for something out of the ordinary, Glaces Glazed is the place to be. Known for its bold and unusual flavors, Glaces Glazed pushes the boundaries of traditional ice cream with creative combinations and playful names.
Highlights:
- Bold Flavors: Glaces Glazed offers adventurous flavors like black sesame and mojito sorbet.
- Creative Names: Each flavor has a unique and quirky name.
Personal Experience:
Glaces Glazed is perfect for those who love to experiment with flavors. I was intrigued by the black sesame flavor, which was nutty and slightly sweet. The mojito sorbet was a refreshing blend of lime and mint, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Black Sesame
- Mojito Sorbet
La Tropicale Glacier: Exotic and Tropical Flavors
Location: 15th Arrondissement
La Tropicale Glacier is a hidden gem in the 15th arrondissement, offering exotic flavors inspired by tropical fruits. This ice cream shop is a paradise for those who love fruity and refreshing ice creams.
Highlights:
- Exotic Flavors: La Tropicale Glacier specializes in tropical fruit flavors.
- Fresh Ingredients: The ice cream is made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Personal Experience:
La Tropicale Glacier was a delightful discovery. The passion fruit ice cream was tangy and full of flavor, while the lychee flavor was subtle and refreshing. The shop’s cozy ambiance made it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy my ice cream.
Must-Try Flavors:
- Passion Fruit
- Lychee
Seasonal and Pop-Up Ice Cream Shops
Paris is also home to a number of seasonal and pop-up ice cream shops, adding to the city’s vibrant ice cream scene. During the summer months, you can find ice cream trucks at various festivals and events, offering a variety of unique flavors and treats. Keep an eye out for these temporary delights as you explore the city.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Paris
- Best Times to Visit: To avoid long queues, visit ice cream shops in the early afternoon or late evening.
- Pairing Ice Cream with Other Treats: Consider pairing your ice cream with other Parisian delights like crepes or pastries for an even more indulgent experience.
- Scenic Spots to Enjoy Your Ice Cream: Paris is full of beautiful spots to enjoy your ice cream. Some favorites include the banks of the Seine, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Tuileries Garden.
France Travel Planning 🇫🇷
Accommodation 🛌
- Booking.com – Find diverse accommodations, enjoy easy booking with great deals, and rely on real reviews and 24/7 support.
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Transportation 🚘
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Attractions, Activities and Tours 🇫🇷
- Viator.com – Stands out as a trusted resource for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences across the globe.
- GetYourGuide.com – Offers an extensive collection of tours, activities, and attractions in France.
- ParisCityVision.com – This tour company specializes in crafting exceptional experiences across Paris and France.
Communication 📱
- Orange Sim Card – Discover seamless connectivity on your French travels with an Orange Holiday Europe Sim Card, a top choice for tourists.
- Airalo.com – The world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
Travel Insurance ✈️
- SafetyWing.com – Travel with peace of mind knowing you’re protected in almost every corner of the world.
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These are only a few of my favorites; for more, see my comprehensive guide to the top travel booking websites for France.
