France is the number one consumer of snails (escargot in French) worldwide, eating between 40 and 60 thousand tons each year. Although they are most commonly associated with the Burgundy region of France, some of the best escargot in the world are served in the restaurants of Paris.
Continue reading to learn all about ordering, eating and finding the best escargot in Paris.
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How to Order Escargot in Paris
There are two snail varieties available in Paris: Escargot de Bourgogne and Escargot Chagrine. Escargot de Bourgogne, sometimes called the Gros Blanc, are the most expensive snails on the market. They can be identified by their striped yellow-brown meat and their large size. Escargot Chagrine, also called the Petit-gris, are smaller with brown-gray meat. Less expensive, Petit-gris are often what’s served when the menu doesn’t specify variety. Escargot in Paris vary in price from €8 to €14 for 6 escargot.
There are many ways to prepare this French delicacy. The most popular snail dishes served in Paris restaurants are Escargot à la Bourguignonne (oven-baked snails in garlic-herb butter) and Escargot à la Bordelaise (snails in a meat-based wine sauce). Snails in Paris are almost always plated by the half-dozen or dozen.
How to Eat Escargot in Paris
Similar in taste and texture to mussels, cockles and conchs, escargot are high in protein and low in fat. Wondering how to eat escargot in Paris? They are often served on ceramic dishes or on trays with slots for each snail. If delivered with tongs and a snail fork, remove the escargot from the shell before eating. This is done by holding the shell with the tongs and twisting the fork to pry the meat from the shell.
Where to Eat the Best Escargot in Paris
The following restaurants are known for serving some of the best escargot in Paris. Add them to your Paris bucket list, you won’t be disappointed!
L’Escargot Montorgueil Paris
French Restaurant
Open for nearly 190 years, this historic French bistro serves some of the best escargot in Paris. It is listed as a heritage site and has welcomed famed guests such as Marcel Proust, Sarah Bernhardt and Salvador Dali. Available by the dozen or half dozen, the famous escargot at L’Escargot Montorgueil Paris are prepared in several flavours, including garlic, curry and, Roquefort and served alongside truffle butter or duck foie gras. Although the prices can be quite high, it’s a small price to pay to dine at this famed Paris institution.
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm
Price: €12 for 6 escargot.
Ratings: Google: 4/5 Facebook: 4.5/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
38 rue Montorgueil, 75001
Tel: 01 42 36 83 51
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Étienne Marcel
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie
French Restaurant
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie delicatessen and restaurant opened as a grocery store in 1894. Today the products sold in the store are prepared by the chef and served alongside perfectly paired wines. Menu highlights include escargot and foie gras ravioli.
Hours: Monday – Thursday from 12 pm – 11 pm and Friday – Saturday from 12 pm – 12 am
Price: €9,50 for 6 escargot or 12 for €18.
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
34 rue Montmartre, 75001
Tel: 01 42 33 31 32
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Étienne Marcel
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Grand Colbert
Brasserie
Le Grand Colbert is one of the must-visit restaurants for those seeking iconically Parisian surroundings. Here, the dining room maintains its Belle-Epoque feel with mirrored walls, high ceilings, ornate wall paintings, and a zinc bar. Listed as a historic monument, Le Grand Colbert is located on the corner of Galerie Vivienne, one of Paris’ most elegant covered passageways. A good choice for lunch or dinner, the menu features traditional brasserie fare such as frogs legs, escargot, steak frites as well as large shellfish platters which include oysters, lobster, shrimp, mussels, and crab. Le Grand Colbert is also one of the few restaurants in Paris to offer separate children’s menus.
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 12 am
Price: €11,90 for 6 escargot or 12 for €21
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
2 rue Vivienne (Rue des Petits Champs), 75002
Tel: 01 42 86 87 88
How to get there: Metro Line 3 – Bourse
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Robert et Louise
Steakhouse
Robert et Louise is best known for serving some of the best steak-frites in Paris, but what many people aren’t aware of is that they also prepare top-notch escargot over an open fire. Indulge in the escargot appetizer and the steak-frites main course for one of the best meals in Paris.
Hours: Monday – Thursday from 6:15 pm – 10:30 pm, Friday – Saturday from 12 pm – 3 pm and 6:15 pm – 10:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm – 10:30 pm
Price: €9 for 6 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
64 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
Tel: 01 42 78 55 89
How to get there: Metro Line 8 – Saint Sébastien-Froissart or Lines 1, 9 or 11 – Hôtel de Ville
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Chez Janou
Provençal Restaurant, Bistro
If you’re up for something different, check out Chez Janou in the 3rd arrondissement. Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, this Paris bistro prepares popular dishes such as ratatouille, magret de canard and escargot tagliatelle (pasta). They also serve a bottomless chocolate mousse, so be sure to save room for dessert!
Hours: Monday – Friday from 12 pm – 3 pm and 7 pm – 12 am, Saturday from 7 am – 12 am and Sunday from 7 am – 4 pm
Price: Tagliatelles aux escargot €19
Ratings: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
2 rue Roger Verlomme (Rue des Tournelles), 75003
Tel: 01 42 72 28 41
How to get there: Metro Line 8 – Chemin Vert
Wheelchair Accessible: No
La Flore en l’Ile
French Restaurant
La Flore en l’Ile is a traditional French restaurant located on Île Saint-Louis just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame. Although they are primarily known as the historical supplier of the famous Berthillon ice cream they also serve top-notch dishes including escargot, steak tartare, and French onion soup.
Hours: Daily from 8 am – 2 pm
Price: €9,50 for 6 escargot or 12 for €19
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
42 Quai d’Orleans, 75004
Tel: 01 43 29 88 27
How to get there: Metro Line 7 – Pont Marie
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Benoit Paris
French Restaurant
Since 1912, Benoit Paris has been the place to go for fine French food. Supervised by Alain Ducasse, the restaurant serves generous portions of traditional dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, mille-feuille and of course, some of the best snails in Paris. Cooked “à la Bourguignonne,” the escargot at Benoit Paris are some of the most delicious in the city. In fact, the food at Benoit Paris is so good that they are currently the only Parisian bistro awarded a star from the Michelin Guide!
Hours: Lunch – Monday to Sunday from 12 pm – 2 pm
Dinner – Monday to Thursday from 7:30 pm – 10 pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 pm – 10 pm
Price: €22 for 9 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
20 rue Saint-Martin, 75004
Tel: 01 42 72 25 76
How to get there: Metro Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 – Châtelet-Les-Halles
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Coupe-Chou
French Restaurant
Le Coupe-Chou is a romantic restaurant located in a 14th-century mansion in one of the oldest alleyways in the city. The atmosphere inside the restaurant perfectly complements the exterior with round tables, velvet armchairs, and high stone chimneys reminiscent of old Paris. The escargot served here are excellent, as is the Magret de canard and the mille-feuille.
Hours: Daily from 7 pm – 10:30 pm
Price: €19,50 for 12 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
9 & 11 rue de Lanneau (Impasse Chartière), 75005
Tel: 01 46 33 68 69
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Maubert-Mutualité
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Au Doux Raisin
French Restaurant / Wine Bar
Step back to the 1950s at Au Doux Raisin, a sophisticated wine bar near the Pantheon in Paris’ 5th arrondissement. Serving only the highest quality fresh foods, their menu consists of charcuterie platters, confit of duck and foie gras, as well as various culinary delights from the Burgundy region of France. Their impressive wine list highlights wines from the Burgundy region, making this the place to be in Paris for pairing great wine with Escargot à la Bourguignonne.
Hours: Monday – Friday from 6 pm – 12 am and Saturday – Sunday from 11:30 am – 12 am
Price: €15 for 12 escargot.
Ratings: Google: 4.2/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
29 rue Descartes, 75005
Tel: 01 43 29 31 13
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Cardinal Lemoine
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Le Petit Châtelet
French Restaurant
Le Petit Chatelet is located directly next to Shakespeare and Company in the 5th arrondissement. They are known for their rustic, gourmet cuisine and for their unique escargot appetizer. Prepared with a savoury mushroom sauce under a flaky puff pastry crust, their escargot are a must-try in Paris.
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 10:45 pm
Price: €11,50 for 6 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
39 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005
Tel: 01 46 33 53 40
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Chez Fernand Christine
French Restaurant
Located in the popular 6th arrondissement, Chez Fernand Christine serves traditional French meals made from carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Be sure to try their escargot with parsley and garlic butter, they are some of the best in Paris!
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm
Price: €12,50 for 6 escargot or 12 for €25
Ratings: Google: 3.9/5 Facebook: 4.4/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
9 Rue Christine, 75006
Tel: 01 43 25 18 55
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Odéon
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Jacobine
French Restaurant / Tea Room
La Jacobine is a charming French restaurant and tea room located in Cour du Commerce Saint-André, which is a small covered passageway dating back to 1776. Their specialties include coq a vin, onion soup and some of the best escargot in Paris.
Hours: Monday from 6:30 pm – 11 pm and Tuesday – Sunday from 12 pm – 11 pm
Price: €11 for 6 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
59 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006
Tel: 01 46 34 15 95
How to get there: Metro Line 4 or 10 – Odéon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Au Père Louis
Bistro / Wine Bar
Located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, the Au Père Louis wine bar and restaurant is one of the best hidden gems in Paris. They are known for their homemade dishes including duck filet, cassoulet, french fries, and, of course, escargot.
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 3:30 pm and 6 pm – 1:30 am
Price: €10,50 for 6 escargot or 12 for €21.
Ratings: Google: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
38 rue Monsieur Le Prince, 75006
Tel: 01 43 26 54 14
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Cluny – La Sorbonne
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Fontaine de Mars
French Restaurant
For one of the best meals in Paris, head to La Fontaine de Mars. Established in 1908, this old-world bistro serves only the finest Southwestern French cuisine. Personal favourites at this Paris restaurant include escargot, steak-frites and cassoulet.
Hours: Lunch daily from 12 pm – 3 pm and dinner Monday – Saturday from 7:30 pm – 11 pm and Sunday from 7:15 pm – 11 pm
Price: €13 for 6 escargot or 12 for €26
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007
Tel: 01 47 05 46 44
How to get there: Metro Line 8 – Ecole Militaire
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Chez André
Bistro
Opened in 1936, Chez André maintains a 1930s vibe with its bistro tables and zinc bar. This Paris restaurant continues to impress both locals and tourists alike by serving traditional yet upscale dishes such as Chateaubriand, Bouillabaisse and escargot.
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 12 am
Price: €12 for 6 escargot or 12 for €21,50
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
12 rue Marbeuf, 75008
Tel: 01 47 20 59 57
How to get there: Metro Line 9 – Alma-Marceau
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Petit Canard
French Restaurant
Truly one of a kind in Paris, Le Petit Canard prepares their sumptuous dishes with products from the owner’s family farm. They are best known for their farm-raised duck which is served in a multitude of ways. Other popular dishes include French onion soup, escargot and cassoulet.
Hours: Saturday – Monday from 7 pm – 12 am and Tuesday – Friday from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 12 am
Price: €8 for 6 escargot or 12 for €16
Ratings: Google: 4.7/5 Facebook: 4.9/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
19 rue Henry Monnier, 75009
Tel: 01 49 70 07 95
How to get there: Metro Line 2 or 12 – Pigalle
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Bouillon Chartier
Bistro
Reputedly one of the best budget restaurants in Paris, Bouillon Chartier has been preparing traditional French food such as escargot à la Bourguignonne and duck confit for over 120 years. The vibrant atmosphere is reminiscent of the turn of 20th century Paris and the service is both efficient and friendly. Reservations are not accepted, so visit early or be prepared to wait in line.
Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 12 am
Price: €7,40 for 6 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4/5 Facebook: 4.3/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
Tel: 01 47 70 86 29
How to get there: Metro Line 8 or 9 – Grands Boulevards
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Maison de l’Escargot
Although La Maison de l’Escargot isn’t a restaurant, it deserves a place on our list of the best places to find escargot in Paris. Selling freshly prepared escargot, as well as canned and frozen escargot for off-site consumption, La Maison de l’Escargot was the first store in Paris to carry homemade re-shelled snails. They carry a variety of sizes and species of snail and are known throughout France for their high-quality products. Check out their website here.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 7 pm. Summer hours may differ.
Price: starting at €9 for a dozen escargot.
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5
79 rue Fondary, 75015
Tel: 01 45 75 31 09
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Emile Zola
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Hide
French Restaurant
Owned and operated by famed Japanese Chef Hide Kobayashi, Le Hide serves traditional French cuisine at a reasonable price. Said to be one of the best-kept secrets in Paris, they serve an exquisite escargot appetizer prepared in the signature “hide” way (in puff pastry).
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 6 pm – 12 am
Price: €14 for 6 escargot
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
10 rue du Général Lanrezac, 75017
Tel: 01 45 74 15 81
How to get there: Metro Line 1 – Charles de Gaulle Étoile
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Have you been lucky enough to eat escargot at one of the best restaurants in Paris? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!
PIN IT FOR LATER – BEST ESCARGOT IN PARIS
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