Paris: Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour with a Private Chef

If you’re looking for a way to truly taste Paris beyond its iconic sights, this Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour with a private chef might just be your ideal introduction. For about $81 per person, you’ll spend two hours exploring the city’s culinary delights, guided by a knowledgeable host who makes the experience engaging without feeling rushed. Starting from a central meeting point in front of a McDonald’s, you’ll visit a traditional bakery, a renowned cheese shop, and a local wine shop, culminating in an intimate tasting session in Chef Emma Iches’ private apartment.

What makes this experience special is the combination of hands-on shopping tips and the chance to sample five different cheeses paired with two carefully selected wines. We love the personalized touch of visiting a cheese shop listed as a historic monument and learning from the chef herself, which provides a genuine feel for Parisian food culture. Plus, the opportunity to buy quality bread, cheese, and wine for tasting and taking home adds real value.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves some walking around the city, so comfortable shoes are advised. Also, for travelers expecting a large group, this private-style experience offers intimacy and direct interaction, but it’s worth noting that it’s relatively short—just two hours—so it’s best for those with a flexible schedule wanting a focused culinary taste.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, those new to Paris who want an authentic introduction to local flavors, or travelers seeking a unique, guided experience with a personal touch. If you want to savor Paris one bite at a time in a relaxed, engaging way, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

Authentic Parisian flavors: Taste five cheeses and two wines, carefully curated for an authentic experience.
In-depth local shopping tips: Learn from the chef about bread-making and buying quality cheese and wine.
Personalized experience: Enjoy a private tasting in a chef’s apartment, making it more intimate than typical group tours.
Historical and cultural insights: Visit a cheese shop listed as a historic monument and learn about Parisian culinary traditions.
Convenient and accessible: The tour lasts only two hours, suitable for most schedules, and is wheelchair accessible.
Cost-effective: For about $81, you gain a memorable, guided food experience with the opportunity to purchase quality products.

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Starting Point and Initial Vibe

The tour begins in front of a familiar landmark—a McDonald’s—on a central Paris street, making it easy to find and a practical meeting spot. From there, your guide, likely a knowledgeable local, leads you into the heart of Parisian food culture. The initial walk sets a relaxed tone, perfect for travelers eager to get their bearings before diving into culinary delights.

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Visit to a Traditional Bakery

Your first stop is a Boulangerie-Pâtisserie artisanale Chez Meunier. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of bread making in action—a craft celebrated in France for centuries. The chef or guide will share tips on how to select bread, what makes French bread unique, and perhaps some tricks for replicating the experience at home. You’re encouraged to buy bread here to taste later, which adds a personal dimension to your experience.

Travelers often comment on the quality of the bread and how it perfectly complements the cheeses and wines that follow. The authentic bakery setting provides a sensory experience—aromas, sights, and sounds—that are quintessentially Paris.

Cheese Shopping at a Historic Cheese Shop

Next, you’ll visit a famous cheese shop listed as a historic monument since 1982. This isn’t just a retail stop; it’s a window into Parisian life. The shop owner or your guide will introduce you to a selection of top-quality cheeses, some of which you might recognize, others that are true hidden gems.

One reviewer praised the shop’s quality cheeses for tasting and shopping, emphasizing how the guide’s tips made choosing easier and more enjoyable. You’ll learn about different cheese types, textures, and pairings—insights that elevate any cheese board at home.

Wine Shop and Tasting Selection

After cheese, you’ll head to a local wine shop on rue de l’Olive, where you can select two wines for tasting and purchase to take home. The shopkeeper will likely help you pick wines that complement the cheeses, enhancing your appreciation of flavor pairings. It’s a fun, interactive part of the tour; many travelers find it both educational and a good value, as they leave with bottles to enjoy later.

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Private Tasting in Chef Emma Iches’ Apartment

The highlight is the private tasting session in Chef Emma Iches’ apartment. Here, you’ll sample five different cheeses and two glasses of wine, with the chef guiding you through each pairing. The experience feels intimate and personalized, a chance to ask questions and get expert insights.

A reviewer described the tasting as “a delightful journey through flavors,” noting that Emma’s tips helped them understand how to appreciate cheeses and wines better. The relaxed setting allows for a genuine connection with the food, making it more memorable than a typical tasting.

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Practical Aspects and Additional Details

Duration: Just two hours, making it easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.
Cost: $81 per person, which covers the guided visits and tasting session.
Inclusions: Visit to bakery, cheese shop, wine shop, and private apartment tasting.
Extras: You’re encouraged to buy bread, cheese, and wine for tasting and for taking home—all at the shops visited.
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guide speaks both French and English.
Preparation: Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s some walking involved.

Real Visitor Feedback

Several reviews highlight the personalized nature of the experience. One said, “The chef’s tips made all the difference,” while another appreciated the insider access to a historic cheese shop. Travelers also valued the opportunity to buy quality products directly from the source, often noting that the cheeses and wines they bought became special souvenirs.

How This Tour Fits Into Your Paris Itinerary

Because it’s relatively short and focused, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of local life without a long commitment. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in culinary culture, looking for an intimate experience, or seeking a personalized introduction to Parisian flavors. If you have a few hours on a free afternoon or as a pre-dinner activity, this could be your perfect choice.

This experience is best for foodies eager to learn about cheese and wine in a relaxed, guided setting. It’s also excellent for travelers seeking an authentic, local experience rather than a large, commercialized tasting. Those with an interest in shopping for quality products directly from Parisian shops will love the insider tips and exclusive access.

If you want a fun, educational, and delicious taste of Paris that you can savor long after your trip, this tour offers a memorable slice of the city’s culinary soul. It’s especially suitable for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate personal interaction with their guide and hosts.

In the crowded world of Paris food tours, this Cheese & Wine experience offers a refreshing, intimate alternative. You won’t just sample; you’ll learn, shop, and connect—culinary skills, local stories, and authentic products woven into a compact, enjoyable two-hour experience. The opportunity to visit a historic cheese shop and buy products directly from the source adds tangible value.

For travelers who want to taste Paris in a relaxed, guided setting, this tour hits the sweet spot between education and indulgence. It’s well-suited for those eager to deepen their appreciation of French cheeses and wines, or simply enjoy a genuine local experience. If you’re looking for a memorable, authentic culinary encounter that fits into your Paris adventure without taking up your whole day, this tour is worth considering.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about two hours, providing a focused but manageable taste of Parisian food culture.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because the tour involves walking around the city streets and shops.

Can I buy products during the tour?
Absolutely. You can purchase bread, cheese, and wine at each stop, and many find these make excellent souvenirs or additions to their meals.

Is there a guide to help me with selections?
Yes, your guide, along with Chef Emma during the private tasting, will help you choose cheeses and wines that pair well together and provide tasting tips.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

Is this tour bilingual?
Yes, the tour is conducted in both French and English, ensuring clarity and engagement for international travelers.

This cheese and wine tour promises a genuine slice of Parisian life, blending culinary education, shopping, and an intimate tasting in one delightful package. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about local flavors, it offers a memorable way to deepen your Paris experience.