France's Love Affair with Ice Cream
Ice cream, or 'glace', holds a cherished place in French culinary culture. Whether enjoyed along the Riviera or in a Parisian café, French ice cream is celebrated for its rich textures, natural ingredients, and inventive flavors. In 2026, artisan glaciers continue to push creative boundaries while honoring tradition.
1. Berthillon
Located on Île Saint-Louis in Paris, Berthillon is the most iconic ice cream maker in France. Its sorbets and glaces, made with natural ingredients, are prized for intense flavors and silky textures.
2. Une Glace à Paris
Founded by award-winning chefs Emmanuel Ryon and Olivier Ménard, Une Glace à Paris is celebrated for its smoked vanilla and other innovative creations crafted with patisserie precision.
3. Glaces Glazed
Glaces Glazed brings a rock-and-roll edge to ice cream with bold flavors like absinthe and Bloody Mary sorbet. Its creative spirit appeals to adventurous foodies across Paris.
4. Maison Weiss
Founded in 1882 in Saint-Étienne, Weiss combines chocolate-making heritage with premium ice cream. Its rich chocolate-based flavors deliver unmatched depth and craftsmanship.
5. Amorino
Famous for its rose-shaped gelato presentation, Amorino has stores across France serving authentic Italian-style gelato made from natural ingredients without artificial colors.
6. Martine Lambert
Based in Deauville, Martine Lambert uses Norman cream and seasonal fruits to craft luxurious ice creams. Its salted butter caramel and vanilla flavors are particularly beloved.
7. Bachir
Bachir brings Lebanese-French ice cream traditions to Paris with mastic-stretched 'booza' that is hand-pulled and dense. Pistachio and rose flavors are signature offerings.
8. Pozzetto
Pozzetto serves traditional Italian gelato in the Marais district using imported Italian ingredients. Its zabaglione, gianduja, and pistachio flavors are particular standouts.
9. La Glacerie Paris
Founded by pastry chef David Wesmaël, La Glacerie creates artistic frozen desserts using classic patisserie techniques. Each flavor reflects exceptional craftsmanship.
10. Häagen-Dazs France
Although international in origin, Häagen-Dazs has become a household name in France with widely available premium ice cream that satisfies cravings nationwide.
What Defines Great French Ice Cream
Top French ice cream brands prioritize fresh dairy, natural fruit purées, and traditional churning techniques. The result is a balance of flavor intensity and creamy smoothness rarely matched elsewhere.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer classic vanilla or daring innovations, France's ice cream brands offer an indulgent journey for the senses. Each scoop celebrates the country's enduring passion for culinary excellence.