Paris, the city of love, light, and legendary desserts, is as much about indulgence as it is about art. While visitors often come for flaky croissants, colorful macarons, and buttery pastries, thereโs another side of Parisian sweetness that deserves equal admiration โ gelato. This Italian-born delicacy has found a devoted audience in the French capital, blending the finesse of Italian craftsmanship with Parisian flair. Whether youโre strolling along the Seine, resting under the Eiffel Tower, or wandering the narrow lanes of Le Marais, the scent of freshly churned gelato might just tempt you to stop for a scoop (or two).
This extended guide will take you on a journey through the cityโs most renowned gelaterias โ those that combine artistry, authenticity, and atmosphere. From the timeless Berthillon to the exotic Glace Bachir, each shop here has a story, a specialty, and a flavor that could easily turn your afternoon walk into a delicious memory.
1. Pozzetto โ Authentic Italian Perfection in Le Marais ๐ฎ๐น
๐ Address: 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhood: Le Marais (near Notre-Dame and Hรดtel de Ville)
๐ถ Price: Around โฌ3โ4 per scoop
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Pistachio, Gianduja (hazelnut-chocolate), Yogurt, Lemon sorbet
Pozzetto is not just a gelato shop โ itโs a portal to Italy. Every spoonful feels like a stroll through Turin, where the tradition of artisan gelato was perfected. The founders focus on fresh, natural, preservative-free ingredients, churning their gelato daily in small batches. You wonโt find endless flavor options here โ they keep it simple with around a dozen choices, each bursting with character. The pistachio tastes like roasted nuts straight from Sicily, while the yogurt and lemon flavors are refreshingly light for summer afternoons. ๐
The vibe here is authentically European: compact, cozy, and surrounded by the timeless charm of Le Marais. Locals often grab a cone and head toward the nearby Hรดtel de Ville square or the banks of the Seine. Itโs also worth noting that Pozzetto serves delicious Italian espresso โ, making it a wonderful place to combine dessert and caffeine in one perfect Parisian pause.
2. Berthillon โ The Legendary Parisian Glacier ๐ง
๐ Address: 29โ31 Rue Saint-Louis-en-lโรle, 75004 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhood: รle Saint-Louis (next to Notre-Dame)
๐ถ Price: โฌ3โ6 per scoop
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Salted butter caramel, Pistachio, Cassis, Yuzu sorbet
No Paris ice cream guide would be complete without Berthillon. Established in 1954, this legendary family-run glacier has been delighting generations with what many Parisians call the best ice cream in the city. Located on รle Saint-Louis โ a small island at the heart of Paris โ Berthillon is a destination in itself. The shopโs quaint wooden faรงade, reminiscent of another era, hides a world of rich, creamy flavors. ๐ฆ
Each batch is made using only natural ingredients โ local cream, fresh eggs, sugar, and seasonal fruits. Their salted butter caramel has a cult following, and their dark chocolate is as intense as a Parisian espresso. Berthillonโs fruit sorbets are equally divine, especially cassis and strawberry, made with real purรฉed fruit. ๐
The true Berthillon experience extends beyond taste. Many visitors grab a cone and cross the bridge toward Notre-Dame, savoring every bite with a view of the cathedral and the Seine glistening beside them. Even in winter, the adjoining tea room serves hot chocolate and pastries that complement their frozen masterpieces perfectly.
๐ฏ Insider Tip: Smaller cafรฉs and shops around the island also carry Berthillon ice cream, often with shorter lines โ perfect if youโre visiting during peak hours.
3. Glace Bachir โ Lebanese Flair in Montmartre and Marais ๐ธ
๐ Addresses: 7 Rue Tardieu, 75018 Paris & 58 Rue Rambuteau, 75004 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhoods: Montmartre & Le Marais
๐ถ Price: Around โฌ3โ4 per scoop
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Ashta (Lebanese cream), Rose, Mango, Pistachio
Glace Bachir brings a touch of Lebanon to the streets of Paris. Founded by the Bachir brothers, this organic gelateria has earned a cult following for its exotic, floral flavors and uniquely creamy textures. Their signature ashta โ a Lebanese milk cream infused with orange blossom โ is unlike any gelato youโve ever tried. The cone is rolled in crushed pistachios ๐ฐ, giving it a delightful crunch with every bite.
Every spoonful tells a story of the Mediterranean: mango evokes the warmth of Beirut summers, while rose water brings out delicate floral notes. The ashta, rich yet airy, tastes like sunshine and tradition combined. ๐
The shopโs locations couldnโt be better. In Montmartre, you can enjoy your gelato while looking over the artistic streets and the Sacrรฉ-Cลur Basilica. ๐จ In the Marais, itโs a perfect post-lunch treat between boutique shopping and sightseeing. Expect lines on weekends, but itโs worth every minute.
๐ก Local Tip: Combine your visit with a Lebanese pastry from the nearby bakeries for an authentic experience that bridges Parisian chic with Middle Eastern warmth.
4. Amorino โ The Instagrammable Classic ๐น
๐ Locations: Multiple across Paris (Champs-รlysรฉes, Montorgueil, Abbesses, and more)
๐ถ Price: โฌ3โ6 depending on size
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Stracciatella, Salted caramel, Pistachio, Mango sorbet
Youโve likely seen Amorino before โ with its stunning flower-shaped cones blooming across Instagram feeds worldwide. But beyond the aesthetic appeal ๐ธ lies quality gelato crafted with precision. Amorinoโs philosophy centers around natural ingredients, traditional methods, and unlimited flavor mixing โ meaning you can try five different flavors in one cone if you wish!
The texture is velvety and smooth, and the sorbets are surprisingly vibrant. The coffee flavor is deep and aromatic โ, while the chocolate varieties range from dark to creamy milk. Amorino also offers macarons filled with gelato, waffles, and even gelato-filled croissants ๐ฅ for the adventurous.
Open late into the night ๐, Amorino is a reliable go-to for those evening strolls along the Seine or post-dinner cravings near the Eiffel Tower. Whether youโre traveling solo, with friends, or with kids, itโs an easy, joyful experience that captures the spirit of modern Paris โ elegant, accessible, and photogenic.
5. Gelati dโAlberto โ Flower Power on Rue Mouffetard ๐บ
๐ Address: 45 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhood: Latin Quarter (near Panthรฉon)
๐ถ Price: โฌ3โ4 per scoop
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Lychee-rose, Mango-basil, Hazelnut, Lemon
Gelati dโAlberto is pure art in frozen form. Each cone is sculpted into a delicate edible flower ๐ธ, layer by layer. Alberto himself โ the passionate Italian artisan behind the counter โ is known for chatting with customers while he crafts each petal. The result is not only visually stunning but also bursting with inventive flavors like lychee-rose and mango-basil ๐ฅญ.
The shop sits along Rue Mouffetard, one of Parisโs oldest and liveliest streets, where cobblestones echo with laughter, music ๐ถ, and the aroma of crepes. A scoop from Gelati dโAlberto fits perfectly into the bohemian energy of the Latin Quarter. Open until midnight, itโs the perfect late-night stop after a dinner near the Panthรฉon or a stroll through Jardin des Plantes. ๐ฟ
๐ก Insider Tip: Donโt be shy about asking for samples โ the staff is known for their friendliness and will happily help you discover new flavor combinations.
6. Grom โ Italian Purity Near the Luxembourg Gardens ๐ฑ
๐ Address: 19 Rue Soufflot, 75005 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhood: Latin Quarter (close to Luxembourg Gardens)
๐ถ Price: โฌ3โ4 per scoop
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Crema di Grom, Coffee, Pistachio, Seasonal fruit sorbets
At Grom, simplicity meets perfection. Founded in Turin, this Italian chain became famous for its commitment to authenticity โ no coloring, no artificial flavors, and no compromises. Everything from their Sicilian pistachios to their Piedmont hazelnuts is sourced directly from trusted farms. ๐ฐ
Their Crema di Grom is legendary: a luscious combination of pastry cream, chocolate chips, and crushed biscuits ๐ช. The coffee flavor is bold, the pistachio earthy, and the fruit sorbets are refreshing palate cleansers. Youโll find Parisians, students, and tourists alike grabbing a cup before lounging in the Luxembourg Gardens just a few steps away. โ๏ธ
The shopโs bright, minimalist design makes it a calm oasis amidst the Latin Quarterโs bustle. Whether itโs a mid-day break or an evening walk, Grom delivers consistent, pure joy with every scoop.
7. Le Bac ร Glaces โ Old-School Parisian Charm ๐ฐ๏ธ
๐ Address: 109 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
๐๏ธ Neighborhood: 7th arrondissement (near Eiffel Tower & Musรฉe dโOrsay)
๐ถ Price: โฌ6โ8 per dessert
๐จ Must-Try Flavors: Caramel-ginger, Raspberry-rose, Matcha green tea, Pistachio
Step into Le Bac ร Glaces, and youโll feel like youโve traveled back in time. This third-generation ice cream parlor has been enchanting Parisians since 1955 with its retro decor, pastel colors, and deliciously nostalgic flavors. ๐
Their recipes are old-fashioned in the best way possible โ using real eggs, cream, and fresh fruits ๐. Try their caramel-ginger for a surprising mix of warmth and sweetness, or their matcha green tea ๐ต for a refined, Japanese-inspired twist. The raspberry-rose is both floral and tangy, while their pistachio remains a timeless favorite.
Located a short walk from the Eiffel Tower ๐ผ, itโs the ideal mid-day retreat for travelers exploring the 7th arrondissement. Sit inside and admire the vintage ambiance or take your cone to the Seine for a romantic riverside stroll. ๐
๐ง Tips for Gelato Lovers in Paris
- โฐ Timing Matters: Visit during off-peak hoursโearly afternoon or before dinnerโto avoid long lines.
- ๐ณ Cash or Card: Most gelaterias take credit cards, but a few smaller ones may prefer cash.
- ๐ง Pairings: Combine fruity sorbets with Parisian pastries or nutty gelatos with a hot espresso.
- ๐ค๏ธ Weather Tip: Parisโs scenic parks and riverbanks make perfect gelato backdrops. Enjoy your scoop by the Seine, in Luxembourg Gardens, or on Montmartreโs famous steps.
- ๐ฑ Vegan & Dairy-Free: Grom, Amorino, and Le Bac ร Glaces are ideal choices for vegan-friendly indulgence.
- ๐ด Gelato Etiquette: Donโt hesitate to ask for a sample โ in Italy and France, itโs part of the experience.
๐ฆ Final Scoop
Paris may be celebrated for its patisseries, but its gelato scene is quietly blossoming into something extraordinary. From the silky richness of Pozzetto to the fragrant innovation of Glace Bachir, every gelateria here is a small work of edible art. Each scoop reflects the cityโs passion for quality, creativity, and pleasure โ values that define Paris itself. ๐ซ๐ท๐จ
So next time you wander the streets of this romantic city, let your curiosity (and your sweet tooth) guide you. Explore, taste, and indulge in the flavors that make Parisโs gelato culture so irresistible. After all, life in Paris โ like a perfect gelato โ is meant to be savored slowly, one scoop at a time. ๐งโจ