“How can you govern a country where there are 246 varieties of cheese?” General de Gaulle once mused about France. To truly understand this country, one would need to explore its cheeses—soft or hard, with aromas ranging from mild to strong—each representing a unique terroir and history.
In fact, France is said to have nearly a thousand types of cheese. Despite the dominance of large dairy corporations, uniformity has not yet taken over the world of French cheese. Thousands of farms and small dairies continue to produce raw milk cheeses from goats, cows, or sheep. These are sold by local cheesemongers, whose businesses are thriving and resisting the pull of large-scale supermarkets. For the French, cheese remains a non-negotiable part of their happiness and way of life.
If you don’t have time to tour France but wish to dive into the world of French cheese, make a stop at the Living Cheese Museum on Île Saint-Louis in Paris. Created by a passionate cheesemonger, this unique museum offers an immersive exploration of cheese in all its dimensions. Through playful scenography, visitors of all ages can delve into the fascinating world of cheese. There’s even a space where a young cheesemaker crafts authentic cheese using raw milk from a farm in Seine et Marne.
Every day, the museum highlights a different French region and its cheeses, weaving their stories into a slideshow featuring landscapes—such as the burons of Aubrac or the Beaufort chalets. Naturally, the visit ends with a tasting session. In its creamery section, you’ll find an exceptional selection of unique cheeses curated by Maison Bruel from Rungis, known for sourcing off-the-beaten-path producers.
Living Cheese Museum
39 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris
musee-fromage-paris.com
