I always get a bit of a cheesey thrill when I get to profile one of my ‘cheese-heroes’ on Channel Cheese, like the time I interviewed Max McCalman. On a recent trip to Paris, I managed to arrange an interview with Mme Nicole Barthélemy, an affineur and fromager who has been catering to the needs of Parisian cheese-lovers (including the Prime Minister and President, I might add), for over 4 decades.

I have to say, I was a bit intimidated before our meeting, as she has a reputation for being a little stern – but she was completely delightful and an absolute wealth of knowledge and advice. Her tiny boutique in St-Germain crams in over 200 types of perfectly ripe cheese, all lovingly matured in the underground cellars beneath the shop. This charming little store is a must-visit stop on your cheese-lover’s guide to Paris, but be sure to ask politely before taking photos.

Address: 51, rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
Closest Métro: Rue du Bac  (12)
Closed Sunday and Monday