When traveling home from Paris, we no longer exclusively return to classic French goodies. A box of chocolates, a silk scarf, and a pair of cashmere socks are treasured gifts, but an unconventional item has become the newly coveted souvenir: an elegantly packaged stick of French butter.
One of the most famous Parisian markets, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, opened nearly a century ago and revolutionized luxury food shopping. Not only could one shop for a dress at Le Bon Marché next door, but also cocoa, tea, fresh produce — and butter. Today, La Grande Épicerie isn’t just a local shopping hub but a mecca for travelers in search of the perfect French ingredients. Their vacuum sealing service means butter can be secured for safe travel, even on international flights.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE
A visit to La Grande Épicerie is a special experience, but we also recommend stopping into the nearest family grocery, neighborhood fromagerie, or local market. These are all Parisian go-to’s, and artisans will often vacuum seal upon request — just ask for your goods to be “mise en sous vide.” If a vendor doesn’t offer the service, locals have their own workaround: freeze the butter as long as possible, store it in zip-lock bags, and pack it in a thermal container with ice packs.
In quieter Parisian neighborhoods, butter is chosen with the same discernment as wine — whether it comes from a larger French brand or is cut and wrapped in parchment paper at the counter. Either way, it remains a sacred part of French joie de vivre.
Wondering which French butter to bring home? Here are some of our favorites.
Maison Bordier – for Unique Flavor Combinations
One of the most celebrated butters among visitors is Maison Bordier. Jean-Yves Bordier was lunching with friends in 1986 when his iconic creation took center stage. While waiting for his meal, he crafted a mélange (a mix) of seaweed flakes and rich French beurre (butter). The creation gave way to an unconventional flavor profile, becoming the blueprint for other experimental combinations such as yuzu or wild garlic.
See more at maisonbordier.com
Grand Fermage – A Salty Culinary Classic
When shopping like a local, Grand Fermage is a French kitchen staple. The chunky salt crystals add an unexpected crunch while enhancing the creamy flavor of this culinary classic. Perfect for jambon beurres (a ham, cheese, and butter sandwich on a crusty baguette) or with a tartine (a sweet spread such as Nutella or jam) at breakfast. Although this butter is made from a cooperative of French farms throughout Brittany and Normandy, the generous crystals nod to Brittany’s history, when the region was exempt from salt taxes.
See more at grande-fermage.fr
Isigny Ste Mère – A Taste of Normand Traditions
Isigny Ste Mère Normand butter can be traced back several centuries. When salty ocean water crept onto the landscape, it changed the DNA of the grassy plains, rendering the soil rich with minerals, creating lush grazing pastures for livestock. The unique qualities of the landscape enhance the creamy flavors of the milk produced by Normand cows. The brand, Isigny Ste Mère, materialized over a century ago to honor the traditions and flavor encapsulated by the region.
See more at isigny-ste-mere.com
La Ferme de l’Etoile – A Local Secret
Tucked away along the rolling hills of Courgeon, Normandy, is La Ferme de L’Etoile (The Star Farm). Family owned and operated, the beurre cru salé (raw salted butter) is a well-kept secret. This butter is celebrated among locals, and can only be purchased in the charming collection of villages and towns in Le Perche, which is well worth a visit. Available in local restaurants or directly at the family farm, the flavor of this butter is rich and savory — without being grassy. While shopping, it’s important to note that the family primarily speaks French, but if exploring the area, we recommend speaking to David who is bilingual. He can be contacted using the following email: dsimoen@fermedeletoile.fr
See more at fermedeletoile.fr
Échiré – Butter for Presidents
The Échiré creamerie was visited by Charles de Gaulle in 1963. The butter has since been dubbed “for presidents.” The company has perfected its craft and produced heritage butter for more than a century, garnering countless prizes for many of its butters. The milk is produced by a collective of the high quality local farmers from the Deux-Sèvres region, crafted into French gold, and delivered throughout the nation.
See more at echirelebeurredefrance.com
Whether discovered along the aisles of La Grande Épicerie or in conversation with farmers at local markets, French butter reminds us to savor things slowly. Much like the locals, we are encouraged to take the time to enjoy good butter with friends, with loved ones, and even quietly alone, in France and beyond.