Patrick Oconnell
France is known for its vast variety of cheeses, with each region specialising in its own unique types. The French are among the highest consumers of cheese in the world, eating approximately 25kg per person per year. There are an estimated 1,200 varieties of cheese for sale in France, with some sources claiming there are between 1,000 and 1,600 distinct types. French cheeses are typically grouped into eight categories, with the most famous being matured over long periods. The country's diverse cheeses are made in a wide range of flavours, textures, and forms, and are produced by small farms, large factories, and everything in between.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese varieties | 258 |
| Number of distinct types | 1,000-1,600 |
| Number of categories | 7 or 8 |
| Annual cheese consumption per person | 25-26.7 kg |
| Most consumed cheese in 2018 | Emmental |
| Second most consumed cheese in 2018 | Camembert |
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What You'll Learn
France has 258 varieties of cheese
France is renowned for its cheese, with a staggering 258 varieties of cheese made in the country, according to a 2024 report by the dairy federation Cniel. This figure represents the vast diversity of French cheese, encompassing different flavours, textures, and forms. Each region in France has its own unique cheeses, contributing to the country's rich culinary heritage.
French cheeses are often classified into eight categories, known as 'les huit familles de fromage'. Within these categories, there is still immense diversity, with some estimates placing the total number of distinct French cheeses between 1,000 and 1,600. The variety of French cheeses is widely acknowledged, and they are enjoyed not only in France but also around the world.
The production methods and traditions behind French cheeses are an integral part of their appeal. French cheeses are made in small farmhouses, local dairies, and large industrial facilities. The use of local milk producers and traditional skills passed down through generations adds to the cultural significance of these cheeses.
French cheese also plays a crucial role in the country's economy. France is one of the top three cheese consumers globally, with French citizens consuming approximately 25kg of cheese per person in 2019. The country also exports its cheese internationally, contributing to its economic growth.
The protection and preservation of French cheese traditions are important. Some cheeses are classified, protected, and regulated under French law, with the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) providing the highest level of protection. Additionally, the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designations safeguard specific cheeses and their regions of origin. These measures ensure the continued existence of France's cherished cheese varieties.
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French people consume a lot of cheese
French people are among the highest consumers of cheese in the world, eating approximately 25-26.7kg of cheese per person per year. In 2018, the most consumed cheese in France was Emmental, a Swiss cheese, closely followed by the creamy French Camembert. Raclette, another Swiss cheese, is also popular in France, especially in the regions neighbouring Switzerland. Raclette is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that is melted and scraped onto a plate to be eaten with boiled potatoes, bread, and pickles. Each region of France has its own special cheeses, from small farmhouse cheeses found only at local markets to large producers of cheeses such as Roquefort and Camembert. France's diverse landscape and farming traditions have contributed to the vast number of ways French cheeses are made, producing a variety that is without rival.
French cheeses are classified into seven to eight categories, with some sources estimating that there are between 1,000 and 1,600 distinct types of French cheese. A 2024 report by the dairy federation Cniel (Centre National Interprofessionnel de l'Economie Laitiere) found that there are more than 1,200 cheeses for sale in France across various brands, making up more than 40 different 'types' of cheese. This immense diversity in French cheese is reflected in the famous quote by former French President Charles de Gaulle, who asked in 1962, "How can you govern a country that has 246 varieties of cheese?"
French cheeses are classified, protected, and regulated under French law, with the majority designated as Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) or Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the highest level of protection. Some cheeses are also protected under the less stringent Label Régional (LR) or the European Union's Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). These designations ensure that the natural and human factors that contribute to the unique characteristics of French cheeses are preserved, including the production conditions, expertise, and practices of local cheesemakers.
The variety and quality of French cheeses are renowned worldwide, and they are an important part of French culture and national identity. With so many cheeses to choose from, it is no wonder that the French consume a lot of cheese!
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France's best cheeses are found in markets
France is renowned for its cheeses, with estimates suggesting that there are between 1,000 and 1,600 distinct varieties of French cheese. With such a vast array of cheeses, it is no surprise that some of France's best cheeses can be found in markets.
Markets in France are a great place to find local and artisanal cheeses. In fact, some of the best regional farm and artisanal cheeses can be found in traditional open-air markets (le marché), where local cheesemakers often have their own stalls. Here, you can sample and purchase a wide range of cheeses, from soft and creamy to firm and fragrant, and even stinky!
In addition to open-air markets, France also has many specialist cheesemongers (la fromagerie or la fromagerie-crèmerie) where you can buy some of the best cheeses in the country. These shops are dedicated solely to cheese and often have a wide selection of regional and speciality cheeses.
When shopping for cheese in France, it can be helpful to keep in mind that French cheeses are classified into eight main categories, known as "les huit familles de fromage". The majority of French cheeses are also protected by the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, which ensures that the cheese is produced in a specific region and adheres to traditional methods.
Some of the famous French cheeses that you may come across in markets include Camembert, Brie de Meaux, Swiss Gruyère, and Roquefort. However, with so many cheeses to choose from, it can be fun to explore and discover new favourites. Whether you're in a small market town or a big city, France's markets offer a delightful opportunity to discover and sample the country's renowned cheeses.
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France's cheese variety is due to its farming traditions
France's cheese variety is due to its rich farming traditions. The country boasts an impressive range of over 1,200 cheese varieties, with each region specializing in its own unique types. This diversity is a result of France's long-standing dairy farming traditions, where cheese-making techniques and recipes have been passed down through generations.
French cheeses are renowned for their wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms, with some matured over long periods and others, like cream cheeses, meant to be consumed quickly. The most famous French cheeses are often those that have been produced for centuries using traditional methods, showcasing the country's strong farming heritage.
The variety of French cheeses is widely acknowledged, with classifications ranging from seven to eight categories. The European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designations further emphasize the importance of geographic and human factors in cheese production, highlighting the expertise and practices passed down through France's farming traditions.
French cheese is an integral part of the country's culture and identity, with local cheeses made by local people using local breeds and skills. This sense of identity is so strong that cheese is often associated with national pride, as exemplified by Winston Churchill's famous quote, "Any country with 300 kinds of cheese cannot die."
In addition to traditional farming methods, industrialization has also played a role in France's cheese variety. While some cheeses are still crafted by small-scale farmers or local cooperatives, large-scale industrial production has increased the diversity of cheeses available, making France a leader in the global cheese market.
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France's cheese is classified and protected under French law
France is the cheese capital of the world, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,600 distinct types of French cheese. French cheese is classified, protected, and regulated under French law. The majority of these are classified as Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), the highest level of protection. This classification is based on the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, which covers certain established cheeses, including many French varieties, under a protected designation of origin (PDO). The PDO designation is used to designate a product of a region that has quality and characteristics that are derived from the geographic environment, including natural factors like production conditions and human factors like expertise and practices.
In addition to the AOC/PDO regulations, some cheeses are also protected under the less stringent but still legally regulated designation Label Régional (LR). A few French cheeses are also protected under the European Union's Protected Geographic Indication designation (PGI). This designation covers traditional specialities with designations of geographical origin.
The classification and protection of French cheese under French law and European Union regulations ensure the quality and authenticity of French cheeses, preserving the country's rich cheese-making traditions and diverse varieties.
French cheeses are broadly grouped into eight categories, 'les huit familles de fromage', each with its unique characteristics, production methods, and regional origins. The classification takes into account factors such as the type of milk used, the production process, and the resulting texture, flavour, and form of the cheese.
Some well-known French cheeses that are protected under these designations include Roquefort, the first French product to receive government regulation on its origin and production in 1411, and Comté, a strong hard cheese made with unpasteurized milk.
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Frequently asked questions
There are an estimated 1,000 to 1,600 distinct types of French cheese, with 258 varieties.
The French are among the highest consumers of cheese in the world, eating 25-26.7kg per person per year.
The most popular types of cheese in France include Emmental, Camembert, Raclette, Gruyère de Comté, Vacherin, and Brillat-Savarin.
You can buy cheese in France at traditional open-air markets (le marché), specialist cheesemongers (la fromagerie or la fromagerie-crèmerie), or supermarkets (l’hypermarché and le supermarché).
Yes, here are some notable quotes about French cheese:
- "Any country with 300 kinds of cheese cannot die" - Winston Churchill during the German occupation of France.
- "How can you be expected to rule a country that has over 200 kinds of cheese?" - Charles de Gaulle in 1962.
