In the article, we introduce the iconic delicatessen Comtesse du Barry, a renowned brand specializing in French gourmet products, with its flagship store in the heart of Paris.
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You may have already heard of Gascogne (Gascony) — it’s the region where many of the King’s Musketeers came from, including the famous d’Artagnan, hero of Alexandre Dumas’s The Three Musketeers and a real 17th-century musketeer. But for the French, Gascony is above all associated with the art de vivre and outstanding gastronomy. Many of France’s finest épicerie fine products originate from this region, long renowned for its tradition of crafting high-quality, natural foods in the midst of its beautiful countryside.
Comtesse du Barry was founded in 1908 in the Gers, at the very heart of Gascony, to craft the finest foie gras in the world. Created by Joseph and Gabrielle Dubarry, the brand was named in homage to Comtesse Jeanne du Barry, the last favorite of King Louis XV, renowned at the court of Versailles for her innovative taste and elegance.
Initially focused on foie gras, the brand gradually expanded over the years to include new categories of French gastronomic products, primarily from Southern France but also from other regions. Today, Comtesse du Barry offers a wide variety of gourmet products, including caviar, wine and champagne, sweets, chocolates, and ready-made dishes.
For almost 120 years, the brand has represented the pinnacle of Southern French gourmet tradition for the French. Comtesse du Barry collaborates closely with local producers who respect the environment and carefully selects only the highest-quality ingredients. This dedication to excellence has earned the brand numerous awards for its exceptional products. As Comtesse du Barry is a direct producer and works closely with local suppliers without any intermediaries, it allows them to offer Southwest French gourmet products at much better prices than other Parisian resellers.
Tax Refund:
Visitors can benefit from a tax refund on purchases totalling at least €100. Remember to bring your passport, as it is required to complete the tax-free form. Refund rates may vary depending on the type of product (for example, food, alcohol, and other categories are taxed differently).
Location:
13 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
The main Parisian boutique is ideally located next to the Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette.
Special Offer:
Download our coupon here, to enjoy 10% off any purchase, 20% off when you spend over €130.
How to Get There:
Metro lines 7 and 9: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Exit 6: Rue Taitbout)
Metro lines 3, 7, and 8: Opéra (Exit 2: Rue de la Paix)
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Whether you're simply curious about discovering the gems of French gastronomy or you already love them and are looking for high-quality products, Comtesse du Barry will feel like heaven. We've selected the top 10 items you should try. Since you may want to taste some while in Paris and bring others home as souvenirs or gifts, we’ve separated out the products that might not travel well on a long flight, listing them at the end.
Foie gras is the very first product ever crafted by the brand—its most iconic creation and still its best-seller today. In France, there are two main types of foie gras: duck and goose. Both are widely appreciated, but their flavors differ. Goose foie gras is finer and more delicate, while duck foie gras offers a more pronounced, powerful, and rustic taste. Goose foie gras also tends to be more expensive than duck.
At Maison Comtesse du Barry, you’ll find a wide range of product sizes, making it easy to choose the right option for every occasion—whether you want a small portion to taste, a refined gift, or a generous dish for a family gathering.
For the highest quality, it’s best to select “foie gras entier”, which means whole foie gras. However, if you’re working with a smaller budget or trying foie gras for the first time, “bloc de foie gras” is an excellent alternative. This is foie gras that has been processed into a smooth, homogeneous paste.
Since duck products are the quintessence of Gascon cuisine, French gastronomy offers many specialties made from duck. One of the most renowned—second only to foie gras—is confit de canard. This refined dish is made from salt-cured duck legs that are slowly cooked in their own fat until tender and flavorful.
Confit de canard keeps extremely well in its tin, often for more than two years, and is very easy to prepare: simply heat it in the oven or in a frying pan. It is traditionally served with potatoes cooked in the duck fat, a simple pairing that highlights all the richness of the dish.
Southwest France is also renowned for its high-quality truffles, especially the famous Périgord truffle. At Comtesse du Barry, you will find a wide selection of products made with this exceptional, locally sourced ingredient: whole truffles, preserved sliced truffles, truffle oil, truffle sauce, and more.
A refined and unique souvenir from France—easy to carry and perfect for elevating any dish!
Apart from truffles, you can also find preserved mushrooms among the finest in France, such as cèpes (porcini mushrooms) and girolles (chanterelle mushrooms). They pair wonderfully with confit de canard and elevate many other traditional dishes.
The French love terrines and pâtés! While these spreads are somewhat similar, they have distinct characteristics:
-Terrine is made by layering or mixing meats, vegetables, or other ingredients, resulting in a coarse or chunky texture.
-Pâté is a finely ground mixture of meat and fat, smoother and more homogeneous than a terrine.
Both are typically enjoyed as a starter, spread on bread. At Comtesse du Barry, you’ll find a wide selection of terrines and pâtés, made with various meats and flavorful condiments—all at very accessible prices.
Tapenade is a classic Provençal spread, condiment, and culinary ingredient made from finely chopped olives, capers, and sometimes anchovies. It is often enjoyed as a starter, served on bread. At Comtesse du Barry, you’ll find a variety of tapenades, including a unique green olive tapenade with almonds.
Chestnuts (Marron/Châtaignes in French) from southern France are another iconic French specialty. They can be enjoyed as a paste or as “marrons chauds” (roasted chestnuts) sold in the streets of Paris. For special dinners, particularly at Christmas, cooked chestnuts are a classic accompaniment—especially with turkey. Comtesse du Barry’s chestnuts are ready to serve, yet you can also enhance them by pairing with a sauce for an elegant touch.
Pruneaux d’Agen is a truly local specialty, grown only in a small region of Southwest France, yet famous throughout the country. These dried fruits are made from carefully selected plums, prepared using traditional methods. While they can be fully dried (séché), the finest are “mi-cuit” (half-cooked), preserving a soft, rich texture. Beyond the classic pruneau, Comtesse du Barry also offers unique variations, stuffed and glazed for a sweet finish after a meal. Agen prunes are renowned for their digestive benefits, making them a perfect healthy snack any time of the day.
Guimauve is the French version of marshmallow, but less sweet and made using traditional methods. At Comtesse du Barry, you’ll find a variety of flavors, including peach, lemon, raspberry, and more.
Canelé is a speciality from Bordeaux, the largest city in Gascony. While fresh canelés are best eaten the same day, Comtesse du Barry’s version is preserved in the iconic spirit of Gascony, Armagnac—considered by experts to be more subtle and refined than Cognac. These canelés add a perfectly luxurious touch to the end of a fine dining experience.
Chocolate lovers will be delighted at Comtesse du Barry! The company produces its own chocolates, crafted according to traditional French recipes. You’ll also discover unique treats, such as roasted almonds and hazelnuts coated in chocolate, or dried oranges enveloped in rich chocolate.
Jams are iconic in France and an essential part of the traditional French breakfast. Comtesse du Barry’s jams are locally made with regional fruits, following recipes that are less sugary and more flavorful. You’ll find a wide variety of options, featuring fruits such as figs, berries, citrus, and more.
You can also discover traditional French condiments, including products from the renowned Maison Fallot, famous for producing some of the finest mustards and vinegar in France. Comtesse du Barry also collaborates with top-quality olive oil producers, such as Estoublon, from the AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) Baux-de-Provence region.
As a traditional French gourmet food shop, Comtesse du Barry features a wine cellar (cave à vin) offering a selection of renowned red wines, primarily from Southwest France, including Bordeaux and Côtes-de-Gascogne. Comtesse du Barry has also collaborated with the prestigious Champagne house Charpentier to offer a selection of the finest champagnes.
Foie gras pairs perfectly with a sweet white wine, particularly when served with a sweet condiment such as onion or fig jam. Some of the best sweet whites from Southwest France to enjoy with foie gras include Jurançon, Sauternes, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, and Gaillac.
These same sweet wines are also ideal for desserts, perfectly complementing a sweet cake or pastry.
These products need to be kept refrigerated, but the shop can provide special packaging to preserve them for a few hours outside the fridge
Caviar from Southern France has a long and rich tradition, largely developed by Russian refugees who settled in the region in the early 20th century. This luxury product is celebrated for its exceptional quality and delicate, nuanced flavors.
Producers in the rivers of Aquitaine, Dordogne, and Gironde carefully raise their sturgeons, ensuring a refined product that honors tradition while delivering outstanding taste. Unlike in some other countries, this caviar is sustainably and ethically produced, making it a truly premium and responsible choice.
French producers have developed a local, more sustainable alternative to salmon: trout smoked over beechwood. This eco-friendly option not only supports local production but also delivers an even richer and more delicate flavor than salmon. Considered a luxury dish, it is traditionally enjoyed on special occasions or weekends. In France, it is often served as a starter for Christmas, accompanied by small blinis and butter.
As a family-owned brand, Comtesse du Barry’s Parisian store has preserved the warm, personal spirit of a traditional family grocery. The shop features charming décor reminiscent of classic French épiceries, with neatly arranged products that are easy to find. Shopping here is far simpler and more enjoyable than navigating a large supermarket, with the essentials thoughtfully highlighted.
The staff are exceptionally kind and welcoming, always ready to assist. Often, they’ll offer you the chance to sample one or two specialities—a unique and memorable experience in Paris that can help you discover new favourites.
If you need a special package for fresh products, the team can prepare it for you and advise on how long items can be kept outside the fridge. Last but not least, their gift packages are exquisite, and the wrapping paper is truly distinctive. Don’t hesitate to ask for it if you’re planning to bring back gifts!
And don't forget to download our coupon here, to enjoy 10% off any purchase, 20% off when you spend over €130.
Photos and article: O'bon Paris Team