Table of Contents
5 French Cheeses We Love
Cheese is a way of life in France


1. Brie – known as the “King of Cheese”
2. Camembert – most famous French Cheese

3. Comté – one of the world’s greatest cheeses
4. Petit Basque (Istara – P’tit Basque – Pur Brebris) – almost half produced is marketed in the United States

5. Roquefort – first cheese to receive AOC status
Blue cheeses have been around for thousands of years and historical figures like Pliny the Elder, Charlemagne and Casanova were reputedly lovers of this moldy delicacy with blue-green veins. Many rank the blues as some of the best cheeses in the world due to their complexity and unique terroir.
Though there are many varieties of blue cheese, the most famous is Roquefort. An ancient French blue, it is made from raw sheep’s milk, injected with mold, and then ripened in limestone caves. Roquefort, also known as “The King of Blues,” is France’s second most popular cheese, just behind Camembert.
Roquefort presents with a strong, intense flavor – one with balance and yet a spicy-sweet complexity. As a moist and crumbly blue cheese, it has no rind. The cheese goes well with sweet wines like Sauternes and Ports. Crumble it over crisp salad green or serve on a cheese board with pears, apples, and grapes.
Cheese is a way of life in France and part of its French food culture. What is your favorite French Cheese?
5 French Cheeses We Love – Written by Karin Leperi for EuropeUpClose.com.
Megan says
This is so informative & interesting! My husband and I were in Paris, and stopped in at a little cafe specifically known for its cheeses. We had a small main dish, but then a sampler tray of 10 different cheeses to go with it. It was really amazing how different different cheeses tasted, and that they were so often different than what we expected. It was a really fun & different kind of tasting. They really do take their cheeses seriously, but the pay off is totally yummy!
Joe says
I’ve had all of these! French cheeses are definitely among my favourites, Brie and Camembert in particular. Not such a fan of Roquefort though…bit pungent for my tastes!
sarah says
I’m obsessed with cheese and these photos look amazing. French cheeses really are among some of the best in world. Who knew there were over 1,200 kinds?!
Kaila Yu says
What?? The french cheese on Amazon isn’t actually sent from France is it? Any recommendations? The ROQUEFORT here looks the most delicious to me, I haven’t ever tried it before
Brian says
As far as I can remember, I’ve only had brie. Four more to try!
Maria Haase says
Actually, some of the cheeses are sent from France. The Roquefort looks amazing, but is very pungent. If Blue cheese is your thing, you’ll probably like it!