France is the number one consumer of snails (escargots in French) worldwide, eating between 40-60 thousand tons each year. Although they are most commonly associated with the Burgundy region of France, some of the best escargots in the world are served in the restaurants of Paris.
Continue reading to learn all about ordering, eating and finding the best escargots in Paris.
How to Order Escargots in Paris
There are two snail varieties available in Paris, Escargots de Bourgogne, and Escargots Chagrine. Escargots de Bourgogne, sometimes referred to as 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. Escargots 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.
There are many ways to prepare this French delicacy. The most popular snail dishes served in Paris restaurants are Escargots à la Bourguignonne (oven-baked snails in garlic-herb butter) and Escargots à la Bordelaise (snails in a meat-based wine sauce). Escargots in Paris are almost always plated by the half-dozen or dozen.
How to Eat Escargots in Paris
Similar in taste and texture to mussels, cockles and conchs, escargots are high in protein and low in fat. They are often served on ceramic dishes or on trays with slots for each snail. If delivered with tongs and a snail fork, you will need to remove the escargots 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 Escargots in Paris
The following restaurants are known for serving some of the best escargots in Paris. Add them to your Paris bucket list, you won’t be disappointed!
L’Escargot Montorgueil
French Restaurant
38 rue Montorgueil, 75001, Paris 01 42 36 83 51
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm
L’Escargot Montorgueil by Roberto Ventre on Flickr 
Escargots at L’Escargot Montorgueil in Paris by rc on Flickr
Open for nearly 190 years, this historic French bistro is one of the best restaurants in Paris for escargots. 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 escargots at L’Escargot Montorgueil 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.
Price: €12 for 6 escargots.
Ratings: Google: 4/5 Facebook: 4.5/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Étienne Marcel
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie
French Restaurant
34 rue Montmartre, 75001, Paris 01 42 33 31 32
Hours: Monday – Thursday from 12 pm – 11 pm and Friday – Saturday from 12 pm – 12 am
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 escargots and foie gras ravioli.
Price: €9,50 for 6 escargots or 12 for €18.
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Étienne Marcel
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Grand Colbert
Brasserie
2 rue Vivienne (Rue des Petits Champs), 75002, Paris 01 42 86 87 88
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 12 am
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 wall, 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, escargots, 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.
Price: €11,90 for 6 escargots or 12 for €21, 40
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Metro Line 3 – Bourse
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Robert et Louise
Steakhouse
64 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003, Paris 01 42 78 55 89
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
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 escargots over an open fire. Indulge in the escargot appetizer and the steak-frites main course for one of the best meals in Paris.
Price: €9 for 6 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
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
2 rue Roger Verlomme (Rue des Tournelles), 75003, Paris 01 42 72 28 41
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
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!
Cost: Tagliatelles aux escargots €19
Ratings: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Metro Line 8 – Chemin Vert
Wheelchair Accessible: No
La Flore en l’Ile
French Restaurant
42 Quai d’Orleans, 75004, Paris 01 43 29 88 27
Hours: Daily from 8 am – 2 pm
La Flore en l’Ile is a traditional French restaurant located on Île Saint-Louis just a stones 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 escargots, steak tartare, and French onion soup.
Price: €9,50 for 6 escargots or 12 for €19
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Métro Line 7 – Pont Marie
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Benoit Paris
French Restaurant
20 rue Saint-Martin, 75004, Paris 01 42 72 25 76
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
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, escargots. Cooked “à la Bourguignonne”, the escargots 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!
Price: €22 for 9 escargots.
Ratings: Google: 4.1/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Metro Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 – Châtelet-Les-Halles
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Coupe-Chou
French Restaurant
9 & 11 rue de Lanneau (Impasse Chartière), 75005, Paris 01 46 33 68 69
Hours: Daily from 7 pm – 10:30 pm
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 escargots served here are excellent, as is the Magret de canard and the mille-feuille.
Price: €19,50 for 12 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Métro Line 10 – Maubert-Mutualité
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Au Doux Raisin
French Restaurant / Wine Bar
29 rue Descartes, 75005, Paris 01 43 29 31 13
Hours: Monday – Friday from 6 pm – 12 am and Saturday – Sunday from 11:30 am – 12 am
Step back in time to the 1950s at Au Doux Raisin, a sophisticated wine bar not far from 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 Escargots à la Bourguignonne.
Price: €15 for 12 escargots.
Ratings: Google: 4.2/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Cardinal Lemoine
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Le Petit Châtelet
French Restaurant
39 rue de la Bûcherie, Paris, 75005 01 46 33 53 40
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 10:45 pm
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 escargots are a must-try in Paris.
Price: €11,50 for 6 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Chez Fernand Christine
French Restaurant
9 Rue Christine, 75006, Paris 01 43 25 18 55
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm
Located in the popular 6th arrondissement, Chez Fernand Christine serves traditional French meals made from carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Be sure to try their escargots with parsley and garlic butter, they are some of the best in Paris!
Price: €12,50 for 6 escargots or 12 for €25.
Ratings: Google: 3.9/5 Facebook: 4.4/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Metro Line 4 – Odéon
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Jacobine
French Restaurant / Tea Room
59 rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006, Paris 01 46 34 15 95
Hours: Monday from 6:30 pm – 11 pm and Tuesday – Sunday from 12 pm – 11 pm
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 escargots.
Price: €11 for 6 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 4 or 10 – Odéon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Au Père Louis
Bistro / Wine Bar
38 rue Monsieur Le Prince, 75006, Paris 01 43 26 54 14
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 3:30 pm and 6 pm – 1:30 am
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, escargots.
Price: €10,50 for 6 escargots or 12 for €21.
Ratings: Google: 4.3/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Métro Line 10 – Cluny – La Sorbonne
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Fontaine de Mars
French Restaurant
129 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007, Paris 01 47 05 46 44
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
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 escargots, steak-frites and cassoulet.
Price: €13 for 6 escargots or 12 for €26
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.7/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 8 – Ecole Militaire
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Chez André
Bistro
12 rue Marbeuf, 75008, Paris 01 47 20 59 57
Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 12 am
Opened in 1936, Chez André maintains a 1930s vibe with their bistro tables and zinc bar. Serving traditional yet upscale dishes such as Chateaubriand, Bouillabaisse and escargots, this Paris restaurant continues to impress both locals and tourists alike.
Price: €12 for 6 escargots or 12 for €21,50
Ratings: Google: 4.4/5 Facebook: 4.6/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
How to get there: Métro Line 9 – Alma-Marceau
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Petit Canard
French Restaurant
19 rue Henri Monnier, 75009, Paris 01 49 70 07 95
Hours: Saturday – Monday from 7 pm – 12 am and Tuesday – Friday from 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 7 pm – 12 am
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, escargots and cassoulet.
Price: €8 for 6 escargots or 12 for €16
Ratings: Google: 4.7/5 Facebook: 4.9/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Métro Line 2 or 12 – Pigalle
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Bouillon Chartier
Bistro
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009, Paris 01 47 70 86 29
Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 12 am
Escargots at Bouillon Chartier in Paris by lin Judy(快樂雲) on Flickr 
Bouillon Chartier by Phil Beard on Flickr
Reputedly one of the best budget restaurants in Paris, Bouillon Chartier has been preparing traditional French food such as escargots à la Bourguignonne and duck confit for over 120 years. The vibrant atmosphere is reminiscent of turn of the 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.
Price: €7,40 for 6 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4/5 Facebook: 4.3/5 Trip Advisor: 4/5
Métro Lines 8 or 9 – Grands Boulevards
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
La Maison de l’Escargot
79 rue Fondary, 75015, Paris 01 45 75 31 09
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 7 pm. Summer hours may differ.
Although La Maison de l’Escargot isn’t a restaurant, it deserves a place on our list of the best places to find escargots in Paris. Selling freshly prepared escargots, as well as canned and frozen escargots 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.
Price: starting at €9 for a dozen escargots.
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 10 – Emile Zola
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Le Hide
French Restaurant
10 rue du Général Lanrezac, 75017, Paris 01 45 74 15 81
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 6 pm – 12 am
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 the signature “hide” way (in puff pastry).
Price: €14 for 6 escargots
Ratings: Google: 4.5/5 Facebook: 4.8/5 Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
How to get there: Metro Line 1 – Charles de Gaulle Étoile
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Have you been lucky enough to eat escargots at one of the best restaurants in Paris? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!
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