From the creamy Camembert of Normandy to the sharp Roquefort of Occitanie, France’s regional cheeses offer a tantalising tour of the country’s diverse landscapes and culinary traditions. Each cheese tells a story of its terroir, inviting you to savour the rich tapestry of French gastronomy. So grab a baguette, pour a glass of wine, and embark on your own cheese journey through France!
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
This mountainous region is home to some of France’s most beloved cheeses. The star of the show is undoubtedly Reblochon, a creamy, nutty cheese perfect for melting in tartiflette. Pair it with a crisp Savoie white wine for a true Alpine experience. Don’t miss the blue-veined Fourme d’Ambert, one of France’s oldest cheeses, which pairs beautifully with a sweet Sauternes.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Burgundy is famous for its wines, but its cheeses are equally impressive. Époisses, with its pungent aroma and rich flavour, is a local favourite. Try it with a glass of red Burgundy for a match made in heaven. The region’s Comté, a hard cheese with complex nutty notes, is delightful when paired with a crisp Chablis.
Bretagne
Brittany’s coastal influence is evident in its cheeses. The tangy Ty Pavez, made from cow’s milk, pairs wonderfully with the region’s crisp cider. For a more robust option, try the pungent Petit Breton with a glass of local Muscadet.
Centre-Val de Loire
The Loire Valley, known for its castles, also produces excellent goat’s cheeses. The pyramid-shaped Valençay is a standout, with its ashy rind and tangy flavour. Enjoy it with a crisp Sancerre for a true taste of the region.
Corse
Corsica’s rugged landscape produces distinctive sheep’s milk cheeses. The smoky Brocciu, often used in local desserts, pairs beautifully with the island’s aromatic white wines. For a more intense experience, try the pungent Casgiu Merzu with a robust Corsican red.
Grand Est
This region, including Alsace, offers a diverse range of cheeses. The creamy Munster, with its strong aroma, is a local favourite. Pair it with a gewürztraminer for a classic Alsatian combination. The milder Bargkass is delightful with a crisp Riesling.
Hauts-de-France
Northern France is home to the pungent Maroilles, a soft cow’s milk cheese with a distinctive orange rind. Enjoy it with a local beer for a true northern experience. The milder Mimolette, with its bright orange colour, pairs well with a light red wine.
Île-de-France
The region surrounding Paris is the birthplace of Brie, the “king of cheeses”. The creamy Brie de Meaux is sublime when paired with a crisp Champagne. For a more intense flavour, try the Coulommiers with a full-bodied red Bordeaux.
Normandie
Normandy’s lush pastures produce some of France’s finest cow’s milk cheeses. The soft, creamy Camembert is a must-try, especially when paired with a crisp Norman cider. The pungent Livarot, known as “the colonel”, is delightful with a glass of Calvados.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
This southwestern region offers a diverse range of cheeses. The tangy Ossau-Iraty, made from sheep’s milk, pairs beautifully with a sweet Jurançon wine. The creamy Rocamadour, a small goat’s cheese, is delightful with a light red from Bergerac.
Occitanie
The sunny south produces some exceptional cheeses. The famous Roquefort, with its blue veins and sharp flavour, is perfect with a sweet Sauternes. For a milder option, try the creamy Pélardon with a crisp rosé from Provence.
Pays de la Loire
This western region is known for its goat’s cheeses. The ash-covered Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a local favourite, pairing wonderfully with a crisp Muscadet. The creamy Curé Nantais is delightful with a glass of Vouvray.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
The sunny southeast produces some delightful cheeses. The creamy Banon, wrapped in chestnut leaves, pairs beautifully with a local rosé. For a more intense flavour, try the pungent Picodon with a robust red from the Rhône Valley.
Wanting to know more about French fromage?
Join France Today Membership for an exclusive talk featuring Ned Palmer about his new book “A Cheesemongers’ Tour de France”. Discover the rich tapestry of French cheese as Ned shares his journey through the country’s diverse regions, highlighting artisanal producers and their unique creations.
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This interactive session will include a live Q&A, tasting tips, and insights into pairing cheese with the perfect wines.
