Berthillon is the most celebrated artisan glacier in Paris, a family-run address on Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île that has been producing ice cream and sorbet from entirely natural ingredients since Bernard Berthillon opened the shop in 1954. The address on the Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement is the original and only authentic location; other cafés around the island sell Berthillon product under licence, but the maison itself is the definitive source. The range extends to more than 70 flavours across ice creams and sorbets, rotating with the seasons: wild strawberry (fraise des bois) and raspberry sorbets define summer; marron glacé and praline appear in autumn and winter; mango, passion fruit, and rhubarb mark the spring transition. The methodology is old-fashioned and intentional: no artificial stabilisers, no extracts, no commercially produced flavour bases — only fruit, cream, eggs, and sugar, processed in small batches. The result is ice cream of a density and flavour purity that commercial production cannot match. The shop closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, and closes entirely for several weeks in August when the family takes its annual holiday — an extraordinary decision for a business operating at one of Paris's busiest tourist addresses, but a consistent demonstration of the family's priorities. Queues form outside at peak season and move steadily; the shop sells both cones for immediate consumption and tubs for home.
Signature dishes
- Fraise des bois (wild strawberry) sorbet
- Caramel beurre salé ice cream
- Framboise (raspberry) sorbet
Good to know
- Known for
- Paris's most revered artisan ice cream and sorbet maker; using only natural ingredients since 1954; 70+ flavours
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 10:00–20:00; closed Mon–Tue (and August for family vacation)
- Reservations
- No reservations; queue expected
Location
29–31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, 75004 Paris, France
48.8519, 2.3547 View on map
Highlights
- Paris's most celebrated artisan glacier, operating from the same Île Saint-Louis address since 1954
- 70+ flavours of ice cream and sorbet made entirely from natural ingredients in small batches
- Seasonal range: fraise des bois and raspberry in summer; marron glacé and praline in autumn and winter
- Closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, and for several weeks in August — the original family maintains full control of production
Tips for visiting
- Arrive shortly after opening (10:00) mid-week for the shortest queues; Saturday and Sunday afternoons have the longest waits
- The sorbets (especially fraise des bois and framboise) are generally considered superior to the ice creams in terms of purity of flavour
- Berthillon closes for several weeks each August — check current dates before planning a summer visit
- Tubs are available for purchase and keep well in a cool bag; a practical option for picnics on the Île Saint-Louis
- Cafés around the island sell Berthillon product but charge more; the maison itself at number 29–31 is cheaper and freshest
Accessibility
The shop entrance is at street level on Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île with no steps. The interior is compact; wheelchair users can access the counter from the street. Queues at peak times extend onto the pavement and can make approach narrow; off-peak visits are more manageable.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Berthillon ice cream genuinely made without artificial ingredients?
Yes. The family has maintained the same methodology since 1954: natural fruit, cream, eggs, and sugar only, with no commercial stabilisers or artificial flavour extracts. The result is a density and flavour purity that distinguishes it clearly from industrial production.
Why does Berthillon close in August?
The family closes the shop for several weeks each August for their annual holiday — a tradition maintained even though August is Paris's peak tourist month. The closure is consistent and well-documented; visitors should check the current year's dates before planning a summer trip.
Are the flavours the same year-round?
No. The range rotates with the seasons. Wild strawberry and raspberry sorbets are a summer speciality; marron glacé, praline, and caramel beurre salé appear in cooler months. A core selection is available year-round.
Is the shop on the Île Saint-Louis the only Berthillon?
Yes. The maison at 29–31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île is the only Berthillon-operated shop. Various cafés on the island sell product under licence but the original is the definitive and freshest source.