France is a cheese lover’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of flavors, textures, and aromas. With over 1,000 distinct types of cheese, the country’s rich dairy tradition reflects its diverse geography and culture. From creamy Brie to tangy Roquefort, each region boasts its own specialties, making it a delicious journey to explore the country one cheese at a time.
Let’s embark on a gastronomic tour of France and discover the must-try regional cheeses that should be on every cheese lover's list.
Discover with us:
🧀 Comté
Brie de Meaux: The King of Cheeses
Known as the "King of Cheeses," Brie de Meaux hails from the Île-de-France region. This creamy, soft cheese has a bloomy white rind and a smooth interior with a rich, buttery flavor that’s slightly nutty. Brie de Meaux has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages and was even crowned the best cheese at the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
This cheese pairs beautifully with crusty baguettes and a glass of Champagne or light red wine, making it a luxurious addition to any cheese board.
Where to try it: Visit the town of Meaux to explore its cheese markets and learn about its history.
Comté: A Mountain Masterpiece
Comté is a hard cheese from the Jura Mountains in eastern France. Made from raw cow’s milk, this cheese is aged for months (sometimes years) in caves, developing a nutty, savory flavor with hints of caramel and butter. Its firm texture and complex taste make it a favorite among cheese aficionados.
Comté is perfect for melting into fondues or enjoying as a snack with a robust white wine like a Chardonnay from Jura.
Where to try it: Tour the cheese caves of Franche-Comté to witness the traditional aging process.
Roquefort: The Tangy Blue Treasure
Hailing from the Aveyron region, Roquefort is one of the world’s oldest blue cheeses, made from sheep’s milk and aged in the natural caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. Its creamy texture and tangy, salty flavor make it a standout cheese that pairs wonderfully with honey, figs, or crusty bread.
Roquefort is best enjoyed with a sweet wine like Sauternes or a bold red to balance its intense flavors.
Where to try it: Visit the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon for a guided tour and tasting.
Reblochon: The Star of Savoy
Reblochon, from the Alpine region of Savoie, is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy, earthy flavor and a slightly nutty aroma. Its name means “re-milking,” as it was traditionally made from the second milking of the cows, resulting in its rich texture.
Reblochon is a key ingredient in tartiflette, a classic Alpine dish of potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a dry cider for an authentic experience.
Where to try it: Head to the Alpine villages of Savoie to savor Reblochon fresh from the
source.
Camembert de Normandie: Normandy’s Creamy Pride
Camembert de Normandie is a world-renowned soft cheese with a creamy interior and a bloomy white rind. Its mild, earthy flavor and smooth texture make it a staple on any cheese board. True Camembert is made using raw cow’s milk, giving it a depth of flavor unmatched by mass-produced versions.
Enjoy Camembert with apple slices and a glass of Normandy cider for a delightful pairing.
Where to try it: Visit the charming villages of Normandy to explore Camembert dairies and indulge in the region’s culinary delights.
France’s regional cheeses are a testament to the country’s culinary artistry and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fan of creamy Brie, nutty Comté, or tangy Roquefort, there’s a cheese for every palate. Exploring these iconic cheeses not only offers a taste of French tradition but also provides a glimpse into the landscapes and history of their regions.
We have reached the end of this article on Must-Try Regional Cheeses of France: A Guide for Cheese Lovers. If you’re planning a visit to France, be sure to check out our previous blogs for more tips on where to eat, drink, and explore. o continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations, stay tuned for more articles on our website. Follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on new releases and join us as we embark on new adventures. We will be back soon with a new article! If you're visiting Lisbon, make sure to try our Fado, Food, and Wine tour!
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