TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Cheese Types
Saint-Félicien is a soft French cheese originating from the region of Rhône-Alpes. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture, while its flavor can be described as fruity, sour, nutty, and buttery. During the aging process, it develops a bloomy rind with a strong mushroomy aroma which does not really match the flavors of the cheese.
Due to its fragile nature, this cheese often comes packaged in small terracotta pots. It is recommended to pair it with crusty baguettes, olives, or a glass of red wine.
Chavignol is a small cheese made from raw goat's milk that must weigh at least 60 grams. Its color is white or ivory and it has a dense, moist texture with a thin, moldy rind on the outside. The flavor of Chavignol is full, slightly nutty and 'goaty'.
It can mature for up to three months, and when the rind drastically changes its color and becomes very hard, and the body becomes drier and crumbly, the origin of its name - crottin, meaning horse dung in French, is explained. Chavignol is great when grilled and served hot on a salad or eaten with bread and bacon.
Reblochon is a semi-hard, pressed cheese with a weight of about 500 grams, made from unpasteurized cow's milk that must ripen for at least 15 days in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France. According to an old tale, it exists because a farmer made the milk into cheese to hide a part of his milk production in order to lower his "milk taxes" that he paid to the pasture's owners.
Reblochon has a yellow to orange rind with an ivory body inside. Its rind is edible, and the taste of the cheese is nutty and slightly fruity. The smell is intense and reminiscent of cellars in which it has matured. It melts well and tastes great on baked potatoes.
THE BEST Reblochon Cheeses
Comté is a big, hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk, with at least 45% fat and a pressed, cooked paste. Each cheese wheel is unique with numerous taste varieties that can range from milky, spicy, roasted to fruity, buttery or plant-like due to the fact the milk it is made from must be used immediately.
It is made in the Jura massif in the caves of Doubs, Jura and Haute-Saône departments in France. The maturation period lasts at least 120 days and it is turned and scrubbed regularly during the process. Comté also has a seasonal stamp, like winter, summer, mountain Comté or plains Comté.
THE BEST Comté Cheeses

Named after its town of origin and produced in the French Rhône-Alpes region since the Middle Ages, Beaufort is a hard cheese made from raw milk of the Tarentaise cattle breed. It is typically matured much longer than its softer Alpine counterparts, about four to five months.
During the first two months, Beaufort is salt-rubbed on a daily basis, and once the rind has matured enough, the cheese wheels are smeared with morge - a mixture of brine, whey and old cheese scrapings. This distinctive convex-sided cheese comes in three varieties: Le Beaufort, produced from November to May; Le Beaufort d’Été, produced in the summer and Le Beaufort Chalet d’Alpage, the most prized variety made in Alpine chalets using only milk from a single herd of cows pastured at altitudes of 1500m and above.
THE BEST Beaufort Cheeses
Often called the heavenly cheese, St. André is a French triple-crème cheese made from cow’s milk. It originated from Coutances in the region of Normandy. Underneath its bloomy edible rind, there is a dense, creamy-textured body with mild and rich aromas and flavors which can best be described as sour, tangy, buttery, and salty.
Because it is enhanced with the addition of heavy cream, its fat content is quite high - typically 75%. It is recommended to pair it with crusty bread, pear slices, or a glass of light and fruity rosé.
Also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs, Mont d'Or is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haut-Doubs region in France. What's unique about Mont d'Or's visual appearance is that it is encircled by spruce bark strips and packaged in a spruce wooden box that keeps the cheese in place.
It has a full, rich, sweet and grassy flavor and a slightly acidic taste. Its rind is not edible like in most other French cheeses, so it has to be removed to get to the creamy, runny, almost liquid inside, when fully ripe. As the cheese is already almost melting, it can be eaten like a fondue and enjoyed with sparkling wines.
THE BEST Mont d'Or Cheeses
Originally known as Excelsior, Délice des Gourmets, or Le Magnum, this triple-cream cheese was first produced in the late 1800s near Forges-les-Eaux, Normandy. In the 1930s, to pay homage to an 18th-century gourmet Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, the famous French cheesemaker Henri Androuët renamed the cheese to Brillat-Savarin. Available year round throughout Normandy and Burgundy, Brillat-Savarin is a soft, white-crusted cow's milk cheese with at least 75% butterfat, and an edible snowy rind.
It is luscious, creamy, and neutral to faintly sour when fresh, but it can develop pronounced earthy flavors with longer aging. Like any other triple-crème cheese, Brillat-Savarin is best enjoyed with sparkling wines, and for a nice fruity twist, try pairing it with fresh berries.
THE BEST Brillat-Savarin Cheeses
Picodon is a small, round cheese made from goat's milk, with a minimum weight of 60 grams, produced in the Ardéche and Drôme regions in France. Its rind is thin, with yellow or white mold speckled with blue on the exterior.
The maturation period is at least 14 days. On the inside, it is white or yellow, with a fine texture that becomes crumbly if it is matured for a longer period of time. Its flavor is fresh and clean, with a balance of salty and acidic notes, but it gets concentrated and sharp if it is matured longer, when the cheese loses half of its mass by drying out.
THE BEST Picodon Cheeses
Délice de Bourgogne is a French triple crème cheese originating from the region of Burgundy, hence the name. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and butterfat, and it has a fat content of 75%. Its texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavors are tangy, tart, salty, buttery, and mushroomy.
The rind is white, bloomy, and quite pungent. It is recommended to serve the cheese on its own or pair it with ciders and white wines.
Pair with
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Cheese Producers
Rodolphe Le Meunier is a cheese producer and affineur based in Tours, France. He comes from a family with a long tradition in the dairy industry, which has influenced his deep knowledge and expertise in cheese production. Le Meunier has won multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in the cheese category, an honor given to craftsmen who achieve the highest level of skill in their field.
His business includes aging and refining cheeses, as well as sourcing from various regions in France to offer a diverse selection.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
BEST Rodolphe Le Meunier Cheeses
Isigny Sainte-Mère is a cooperative dairy located in Normandy, France, specializing in producing Camembert cheese, butter, and cream with milk sourced from the local area. The cooperative was established in 1932 and takes advantage of the rich grasses of Normandy, which impart a particular quality and flavor to its dairy products.
Isigny Sainte-Mère also holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for some of its products, such as Isigny butter and Isigny cream, ensuring they meet strict geographical and quality criteria.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2021
BEST Isigny Sainte-Mère Cheeses
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
BEST Prolactine France Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
BEST Onetik Cheeses
Fromagerie Sainte Godeleine - Les Frères Bernard is a family-owned cheese dairy established in 1990, located on the picturesque Côte d’Opale in the Hauts-de-France region of France. With a tradition spanning over three decades, this small yet renowned dairy produces authentic French cheeses using milk sourced from local farms within a 20-kilometer radius.
Their cheeses are crafted using traditional methods, with meticulous attention to every detail in the production process. The assortment includes a wide range of cheeses with diverse flavors and textures, from mild and creamy to more intense and aromatic varieties.
BEST Fromagerie les Frères Bernard Cheeses
Fromagerie Quatrehomme is a prestigious Parisian cheese shop established in 1953, renowned for its exceptional selection of cheeses and dedication to traditional craftsmanship. The family business began in 1935 as a grocery store and evolved into a specialized cheesemonger under the leadership of Marie and Alain Quatrehomme.
In 2000, Marie Quatrehomme became the first woman to be awarded the title of "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in the cheesemonger category, further elevating the shop's reputation. The fromagerie offers a wide range of carefully selected and aged cheeses, including its own specialties such as Saint-Félicien with black onions.
BEST Fromagerie Quatrehomme Cheeses
Androuet is a renowned French cheese shop founded in 1909 by Henri Androuet. The first shop, located on Rue d’Amsterdam in Paris, was a pioneer in offering cheeses from all regions of France, showcasing the country's rich cheesemaking tradition to Parisian consumers.
Henri Androuet introduced the concept of retail cheese aging, using cellars beneath the shop to mature cheeses to perfection. This innovation laid the foundation for modern retail cheese aging practices. Today, Androuet operates ten shops in Paris and three internationally, continuing its tradition of excellence in selecting and aging cheeses.
BEST Fromagerie Androuet Cheeses
Chez Virginie is a renowned Parisian cheese shop located in the heart of Montmartre, with a tradition dating back to 1946. Founded by the Boularouah family, this fromagerie is known for its dedication to quality and authenticity. Virginie Boularouah, a master cheesemonger and heir to the family craft, personally selects and ages the cheeses in her own cellars, ensuring optimal flavor and maturity.
The selection includes over 150 types of cheese, with a special focus on raw milk specialties from various French regions. Among them are rare and seasonal cheeses such as Vacherin de chèvre, aged Salers, Soumaintrain, and Bleu de Termignon.
BEST Fromagerie Chez Virginie Cheeses
Mons Fromages is a renowned French cheesemonger and affineur with a tradition dating back to the 1960s. The company specializes in sourcing, selecting, aging, producing, and selling a wide range of high-quality cheeses, catering to the tastes of clients in France and worldwide.
Founder Hervé Mons, a recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, along with his team, is dedicated to preserving traditional methods of cheese production and aging. Mons Fromages operates its own aging facilities, including the unique "Tunnel de la Collonge," a former railway tunnel repurposed into a space for cheese maturation.
BEST Fromagerie Mons Cheeses
Fromagerie Antony is a renowned French cheese affineur located in Vieux-Ferrette, Alsace. Founded by Bernard Antony, the family-run business specializes in selecting and maturing artisan cheeses from various regions, supplying esteemed establishments worldwide.
Their six cellars, nestled behind a half-timbered building, provide an ideal environment for cheeses to mature under meticulous care. The fromagerie offers a unique "Cheese Ceremony," a tasting experience that guides participants through a curated selection of fine cheeses, highlighting the distinct craftsmanship of their producers and the nuances of the affinage process.
BEST Fromagerie Antony Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Cheeses
L'Affiné Au Chablis is a cheese produced by Fromagerie Germain. This artisanal cheese is typically made from cow's milk and is known for being washed with Chablis wine during its aging process, which imparts a distinct and sophisticated flavor. The rind has a characteristic reddish hue, while the interior remains creamy and rich.
It is often celebrated for its balanced taste profile that combines the creaminess of the cheese with the slightly acidic and fruity notes of the Chablis wine. L'Affiné au Chablis can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments like crusty bread, fruits, or charcuterie.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Tomme de Chèvre Cave Rousseau is a semi-hard goat cheese hailing from France, particularly known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. This cheese is characterized by its rustic, natural rind, which is often adorned with a delicate layer of ash.
The interior boasts a pale, creamy color with a slightly crumbly texture that becomes increasingly supple as it ages.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
Fromager d'Affinois Le Fromager is a French cheese crafted by Fromagerie Guilloteau. It is a rich, double-cream cheese known for its velvety texture and mild, buttery flavor. The production process includes ultrafiltration, which retains more moisture and results in a creamier texture compared to traditional cheeses of its kind.
This cheese is often compared to Brie due to its soft, bloomy rind and creamy interior, but it typically boasts a thicker consistency. Fromager d'Affinois Le Fromager pairs well with a variety of foods and wines, making it a versatile addition to cheese boards and culinary dishes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Tomme Vache Brebis is a cheese produced by Onetik, a company known for its traditional Basque cheeses. This particular variety is made from a blend of cow's milk ("vache") and sheep's milk ("brebis"), offering a unique combination of flavors from both types of milk.
The texture of Tomme Vache Brebis is typically semi-hard, and it showcases a rich, creamy profile with a slightly nutty and tangy taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Ossau Iraty Matocq is a traditional French cheese produced by Fromagerie Matocq. This cheese hails from the Basque Country and Béarn regions in southwestern France. It is made from the milk of Manech and Basco-Béarnaise sheep, which graze in the Pyrenees mountains.
Ossau Iraty Matocq is typically aged for at least 80 days, during which it develops a firm, creamy texture and a distinctly nutty, slightly tangy flavor, characteristic of this type of cheese.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024



TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 French Cheeses” list until March 23, 2025, 7,324 ratings were recorded, of which 5,816 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.