Reÿs, the Marais ice cream parlour with crazy gelato ice creams

Opened just 1 year ago, Reÿs Glaces Éternelles, located at 4 rue Bourg Tibourg in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, is already the talk of the town. It has to be said that its artisanal ice creams, with their sometimes unusual flavors, are sure to seduce. Imagine a store offering a range of 14 ice creams and sorbets with flavors reminiscent of childhood memories and travels. Add to this 4 granités that change daily according to the day's moods and markets (we loved the matcha-thé vert menthe and the melon basil that day).

So, what are childhood memories? Mom's strawberry-rhubarb compote, Grandpa's hand-beaten hot chocolate, or vacations in Brittany with the family for salted butter caramel. Recipes with a taste of yesteryear. But what about travel? Well, as you'd expect, it's all about the flavors of travel experiences such as Stroll in Bangkok, which unveils a coconut ice cream with crispy Thai rice risotto and lemongrass; Indian Wedding, which combines Bronte pistachio, cardamom and rosewater; or the unusual Cretan Tsatsiki, now a must-try, which combines Greek yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon mint and garlic.

To create his recipes and launch his business, Jean-Pierre Braun, who had spent 30 years in a variety of fields, from catering to marketing, went to Tuscany, Italy, to train with a great artisan chef. It was after a premonitory dream, seeing himself selling ice creams, that the idea was born. A second dream, giving him the name Reÿs for his store, convinced him to set off on his adventure. A new challenge for this entrepreneur who can't stand still and intends to expand his store.

Drawing on his experience in Italy, which taught him the fundamentals of making Italian ice creams, which are traditionally less sweet (10% to 20% sugar in his ice creams), less fatty and more airy for a more refreshing effect, he launched his business last year, starting by making his mark on the rooftop of the Tour Montparnasse.

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Now up and running, he opened his boutique just a few weeks ago, and enjoys imagining all kinds of flavors while respecting the fundamentals of Italian gelato. Quality raw materials, mostly organic and seasonal fruit, all homemade, no colorants or preservatives but a few natural stabilizers.

As for discoveries, while purists will turn to the vanilla ice cream (made with wild Papuan vanilla during our visit), the pistachio from Bronte or Grandpa's chocolate, the curious will be tempted by the excellent peach and rosé sorbet from Provence called"Un après-midi à Collioure" (An afternoon in Collioure), the"Baiser du dragon", which combines dragon fruit, smoked Lapsang Souchong tea, red Sichuan pepper and white dragon, or the famous"Sorbet coco créole", which combines coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and lime (approved by real Creoles on our visit).

Note that many of the ice creams are vegan, which is always good to know. Ice creams can be taken away or enjoyed on the terrace at one of the few tables in front. You can expect to pay €3.50 for a scoop of ice cream, €6 for two scoops and €7 for the daily granita.

So, are you in the mood for a good ice cream in Paris ?