Vanilla is expensive. Less than a hundred years ago, but still, natural vanilla is expensive. It's orchid seed pods, remember.

My favorite artisanal Ice Cream shop would be "Le jardin des Glaces", at Montpellier (France). They have some flavors that I rarely see elsewhere, and are not that expensive. But more important, they have that particular artisanal texture, and every ice cream lover should test some Tea ice cream with some Cinnamon ice cream. Really. With hot chocolate. If you ever get the chance to go to Montpellier, this place is a must-go. Main downside is: they open only on summertimes (may/june~september).

My favorite industrial ice-cream shops would be Haägen-Dasz.