List Of 10 Most Famous French Cheeses

French Cheese List

French cheeses make the perfect addition to any meal, offering a delicious and rich accompaniment to many of your favorite foods. Today we’re going to discover 10 of the best French cheeses, all of which we highly recommend you try if you haven’t already

Top 10 Most Famous French Cheeses You'll Love

1. Camembert

Camembert
Coyau / Wikimedia Commons

Camembert comes from Normandy, which is located in the northwest of France. It’s most likely the top French cheese, thanks to its texture and taste. When you see camembert, it should have a white mold rind and a creamy inside, with a salty and full-bodied taste.

2. Brie

Brie
unknown(pdphotos.org), Copyrighted free use, via Wikimedia Commons

Brie is located about 130 miles to the east of Paris and is a region that’s been associated with cheesemaking for a long time. This cheese soon gained popularity in Paris and is now enjoyed by people from around the world. It has a gentle aroma and a compact texture but is best enjoyed when it has aged.

3. Comté

Comté cheese
MOs810, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As one of the richest French cheeses, Comté can be added to sandwiches, salads, or eaten alone. It is made in eastern France in the Jura mountain region and has a nutty flavor and sweet aftertaste with each bite.

4. Roquefort

Roquefort cheese
Sarah&Boston, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Roquefort is one of the world’s top blue cheeses and has a rich taste. You’ll want to save this cheese for the end of any meal so that you are left with the pleasant salty aftertaste it’s known for.

5. Reblochon

Reblochon
Coyau / Wikimedia Commons

This mountain cheese comes from eastern France and the Savoie region. Reblochon is made from the second milking of the cows, offering cheesemakers the thick and rich milk that’s necessary for this type of cheese.

6. Munster

Munster cheese
© Raimond Spekking (Wiki Commons)

Munster is best known for its pungent odor but soft texture. Traditionally, it is served with cumin and potatoes to help soften the taste a little. You’ll find that it has a slightly sticky texture but feels just like eating melted chocolate.

7. Cantal

Cantal cheese
Coyau / Wikimedia Commons

Cantal is an uncooked and firm cheese which is produced in central France in the Auvergne region. It has a subtle flavor with some complexities alongside a firm texture and natural rind.

8. Emmental

Emmental
StaraBlazkova, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When choosing Emmental cheese, make sure you always look for the red casein label. This shows the license number of the cheesemaker and will ensure it is made using raw milk from various regions in France where it’s produced. You can enjoy this cheese with a variety of cooked dishes, and it’s the perfect base for a cheese fondue.

9. Époisses

Époisses
Coyau / Wikimedia Commons

Napoleon always favored Époisses, which is made in Burgundy in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. It has a very strong smell and is rich in cream, salt, and brandy.

10. Mimolette

Mimolette
Pierre-Yves Beaudouin / Wikimedia Commons

Mimolette is traditionally made in Lille in France and was inspired by Dutch Edam cheese. It’s known for its bright orange color, which will certainly stand out at your next dinner party.

French cheese list – conclusion

All of these French cheeses will make the perfect addition to any meal or dinner party you are hosting. There really is something for everyone on this list, so whether you enjoy a mild or strong cheese, make sure you try out some of them soon.

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About David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.