France is often called the “land of cheese,” and for good reason. With over 1,200 varieties officially recorded, cheese is not just food in France – it is heritage, identity, and an art form. From creamy Brie to pungent Roquefort, cheese plays a starring role in daily life, symbolising the diversity of French terroirs and traditions.
Cheese as a National Treasure
Charles de Gaulle once famously asked: “How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?” If only he knew that the number was closer to five times that amount today. Cheese represents the extraordinary diversity of French regions:
• Normandy gives us Camembert, soft and velvety.
• Auvergne offers the strong and salty Roquefort.
• Burgundy is home to Epoisses, washed in brandy until it becomes gloriously runny.
• Savoie delights with mountain cheeses such as Beaufort and Reblochon, perfect for winter dishes like tartiflette.
Every cheese tells the story of its land, its climate, and the hands of those who make it.
A Place at the French Table
Unlike many countries where cheese is served as an appetiser or snack, in France it holds a unique place in the meal. Traditionally, cheese is served after the main course and before dessert. This reflects the French art of pacing a meal: salty, rich flavours prepare the palate before something sweet.
Cheese also embodies the French philosophy of balance. A simple board with three varieties – perhaps a soft, a hard, and a blue cheese – is enough to create a moment of culinary joy when shared with fresh bread and a glass of wine.
Pairing Cheese and Wine: An Endless Conversation
In France, pairing wine and cheese is not just about flavour; it’s about harmony between two cultural symbols. Certain classics stand out:
• Brie with Champagne, delicate yet indulgent.
• Roquefort with sweet Sauternes, a marriage of strength and softness.
• Goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and refreshing.
But the beauty of French gastronomy is experimentation. Each pairing is a discovery, each tasting an adventure.
Cheese Beyond the Plate
Cheese also inspires iconic dishes. Think of fondue bubbling on a winter’s evening, raclette melting over potatoes and charcuterie, or a quiche laced with goat cheese and herbs. These meals transform cheese from an accompaniment into the heart of convivial dining.
A Symbol of French Lifestyle
Cheese is not just eaten – it is respected. Visiting a cheese shop in France is an experience in itself, with wheels and wedges carefully displayed, each with its own story. Choosing cheese becomes an act of curiosity and pleasure.
This relationship with cheese reflects something deeper: the French ability to celebrate the everyday. Even a humble piece of bread with a slice of Comté can feel like a feast when enjoyed slowly and with intention.
Bringing a Slice of France to Your Home
If you’d like to embrace the French spirit, start small:
• Pick one new cheese each week and learn its story.
• Create a simple cheese board with bread, fruit, and wine.
• Experiment with cooking – from baked Camembert to a rustic quiche.
These gestures may seem simple, but they bring the richness of French culture into your kitchen.
Cheese in France is more than flavour – it’s memory, tradition, and a way of life. It bridges past and present, local farms and global tables, rustic meals and fine dining. To taste French cheese is to experience centuries of craft and care.
So the next time you enjoy a slice, remember: you’re not just eating cheese – you’re partaking in a story of land, culture, and the endless pursuit of flavour.
