How do I buy cheese in Paris?

Chatelle’s question: “How do I buy cheese in Paris?”

When Chatelle wrote and asked me about buying cheese, it brought back memories of the markets and the Fromageries (cheese shops) in Paris.

Teena, finally June 2013 has arrived and in 2 weeks I head for Paris. Cannot wait.

I do have, I suppose, a silly question: I will be wanting to purchase Baguettes and cheese.

How do I buy the cheese? do I ask for a portion, slice, or what.

Here in the USA I can order several at 1/4 to 1/2 pound. Pounds aren’t in France LOL.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your reply! Chatelle

Teena’s answer

Hi there Chatelle,

OOOOooohhh how exciting! You’re almost in Paris!

Excellent question – (never silly!) and as with everything, there are several ways to do this.

One pound converts to 453 grams, but I take that up to 500 grams just to make it easy when I’m trying to calculate it in my head whilst shopping.

Roughly speaking:

2 pounds in weight is 907 grams, so close enough to one kilo
1 pound in weight is about half a kilo (500 grams)
half a pound is about a quarter of a kilo (250 gm)

If you’re comfortable with trying to speak French, here are some suggestions.

Your questions could be:

Converting as you go:

“A pound of cheese please (approximately 500 grams).” = “Cinq cent (500) grammes de fromage, s’il vous plait.”
“Half a pound of cheese please (250 grams).” = “Deux cent cinquant (250) grammes de fromage, s’il vous plait.”
“Quarter of a pound of cheese please (125 grams).” = “Cent vingt-cinq (125) grammes de fromage, s’il vous plait.”

If you’re not too comfortable speaking French, you could create some cards for your wallet, and write in thick marker pen, the amounts in grams, e.g. 100 grams, 200 grams etc.

Show these to the shopkeeper and point to the cheese (fromage) of your choice. You can also say the name if you can read it, and if you’re ok with that – Camembert, Brie, etc – they should all have their names written on them in the window etc.

I do hope this helps! I’m looking forward to hearing from you about all the things you love about Paris — wave to the Eiffel Tower and say hello from me, OK?

Bon voyage! Have a great trip!
Teena