.A true symbol of French gastronomy, butter is not just a cooking ingredient, it’s also a cultural and gustatory experience. In Paris, food lovers flock to the most famous butters, including the famous Beurre Bordier. In this article, we’ll explore where to find this exceptional product, how to store and take it home, and the best alternatives for savoring the richness of the French terroir.
What makes French butter so special?
In France, butter is not just an accompaniment, it’s a way of life. Made from carefully selected creams, it reveals a creamy texture and intense flavors that vary according to region and manufacturing method. Unlike in other countries where butter is standardized, here there is a real diversity of tastes and styles.
Beurre Bordier, which has gone viral on social networks, is a perfect example. It’s hand-worked, flavored with exceptional ingredients such as black truffle, Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar and Espelette pepper. Each tasting becomes a real immersion in the world of French gastronomy.
Where to buy Bordier butter in Paris?
Contrary to popular belief, Beurre Bordier is not available in every bakery or supermarket. It can be found in specialized outlets such as :
- La Grande Épicerie de Paris – located in the Sèvres district, this is a benchmark for high-end gourmet products. You’ll find several varieties of Bordier butter, ready to eat in or take away.
- Specialized cheese dairies – some artisan cheese dairies in Paris carry Bordier butter, but it’s a good idea to call ahead.
- Delicatessens – some luxury food stores occasionally carry this exceptional butter.
The price may seem high: around €6 for a classic salted butter, and more for flavored versions. But it’s a unique culinary souvenir worth every penny.
How to bring back butter on a trip?
If you’re a tourist in Paris, you’re probably wondering how to bring back this gustatory treasure without it melting or losing its quality. The good news is that there’s a simple solution: vacuum packaging. For just €1 more, you can ask La Grande Épicerie to vacuum-pack your butters. This means better preservation and easier air transport.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose your favorite butters (salted, truffle, vanilla, Roscoff onion, Espelette pepper…).
- Go to the checkout and indicate that you’d like your products vacuum-packed.
- Wait a few minutes: the staff will seal your butters, ready to travel.
Tip: remember to keep your butter cool in your hotel until you leave, then transport it in a small cool box or isothermal bag for optimum preservation.
Alternatives to Beurre Bordier
If you don’t find Beurre Bordier during your stay, don’t be disappointed. France is full of other quality butters worth discovering:
- Grand Fermage aux Cristaux de Sel de Mer – a tasty butter with grains of salt that crunch under the tooth.
- Paysan Breton – an affordable classic, appreciated for its clean taste and creamy texture.
- Beurre AOP Charentes-Poitou – recognized for its quality and protected designation of origin.
Each alternative offers a different experience, but all reflect the French love of artisanal butter.
Taste butter like a true Parisian
In France, butter isn’t confined to the kitchen – it can also be enjoyed simply, on a crusty, still-warm baguette. Parisians enjoy a piece of fresh bread with salted butter, sometimes even with a square of dark chocolate for a surprisingly sweet-savory alliance.
Flavored butter can also enhance your meals: truffle butter with fresh pasta, vanilla butter on brioche, or spiced butter on grilled vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
Personal experience:
During my visit to La Grande Épicerie de Paris, I was impressed by the diversity of butters on offer. From artisanal Normandy brands to Breton churned butters and even butters flavored with yuzu or seaweed, the display was almost like a cheese showcase. I chose a petit beurre fermier bio, recommended by the grocer, and tasted it that evening on a slice of still-warm bread. The experience was incredible: you could feel both the richness of the cream and the craftsmanship behind each wafer.
Conclusion
French butter is much more than just a dairy product: it’s a true sensory and cultural experience. In Paris, Beurre Bordier and its variations offer travelers a unique opportunity to bring home a gourmet souvenir. With vacuum-packing options and numerous alternatives available, everyone can find the butter that suits their tastes and budget.
So, on your next visit to Paris, don’t hesitate to stop off at a delicatessen. You’ll leave with a piece of French culinary history… and lots of spreadable goodness.