It’s no secret that France takes pride in its exceptional gastronomic scene, and no foodie adventure to the most visited nation on the planet is complete without tasting some of the country’s world-famous cheeses. Whether you’re looking to experience a cheese tour of France for the first time, or coming back to discover new favourites, wherever you choose to go will be filled with unique flavours, traditions, and unforgettable experiences.
From brie of Île-de-France to the blue cheeses of Auvergne, a French cheese tour offers more than just tasting. You’ll have the chance to meet producers, explore chocolate-box villages, and wander through vineyards holding centuries of history.
If you’re seeking an escape that combines artisan cheese, fine wines, and beautiful scenery, here are our favourite must-see destinations for your next French cheese tour.
Burgundy
Our favourite regional cheese: Brillat-Savarin
Recommended pairing: Brut Champagne, to perfectly cut through the buttery richness
Burgundy is best known for producing some of France’s most celebrated wines, making it an unmissable destination for travellers who are looking to combine delicious cheeses with prestigious tipples.
Your journey through Burgundy will take you past rolling vineyards, historic wine villages, and cheesemakers, where you can sample regional favourites alongside expertly paired local wines. One of Burgundy’s most popular cheeses is Époisses, which is creamy and bold. You’ll be blown away at how perfectly this complements the wines produced here.
Other popular varieties include charolais – a goat’s cheese with a nutty flavour best enjoyed over the summer months – and Brillat-Savarin – a triple-cream cow’s milk cheese often dubbed the “foie gras of cheeses” for its decadent, buttery flavours.
If you have the opportunity, make sure to head to Dijon’s Les Halles de Dijon for an incredible cheese browsing session. One of the best-renowned markets in the whole of France, it is home to hundreds – if not thousands – of local cheeses. A true cheese fanatic could spend hours here alone.
For foodies, Burgundy showcases why cheese tours in France include visits to famous vineyards such as Domaine Comte Senard’s, ‘Les Clos des Meix’ alongside cheesemakers. This region is also a haven for lovers of gastronomy, with markets offering artisan breads, charcuterie and other local produce.
“What makes Burgundy so special isn’t just the world-class wine—it’s the incredible local produce and the people behind it. Meeting artisan cheesemakers and winemakers, hearing their stories, and tasting their produce where it’s made gives you a genuine connection to the region that’s impossible to recreate anywhere else. It’s these authentic experiences that make Burgundy unforgettable.” – (Rachel Garrod – Sales Manager)
Loire Valley
Our favourite regional cheese: Pouligny-Saint-Pierre – a goat’s cheese made in a small commune in the south of the region
Recommended pairing: A Sancerre Sauvignon
Perfectly blending scenic landscapes, fairytale-like châteaux, vineyards and small goat farms, the Loire Valley is by far one of our team’s top holidays for a French cheese tour.
You can expect fresh goat’s cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, and Valençay. These cheeses have a tangy, but delicate taste, meaning they pair beautifully with the Sauvignon Blanc wines for which the region is notable.
Besides delicious cheese and wine, the Loire Valley is renowned for its impressive Renaissance châteaux, riverside cycling routes and local markets. These historic towns allow for the perfect balance of culture and cuisine, so you’ll feel completely absorbed in the residents’ tranquil way of life.
In order to cross off two must-sees in one, a trip to Valençay enables you to visit the village’s impressive chateau and visit a local cheesemaker in one day. We recommend booking in to see local producers to experience firsthand how the famous pyramid-shaped cheese is made – before tasting it with a glass of local wine of course!
Visiting this part of France combines history, UNESCO-status architecture, and exceptional gastronomy, making it ideal for couples, foodies, and wine lovers.
Normandy
Our favourite regional cheese: Camembert
Recommended pairing: A crisp Chablis from Burgundy
One of our favourite places for a French cheese tour is Normandy. This region is renowned for its rich dairy farms, where generations of cheesemakers have perfected iconic cheeses including Camembert, Livarot, and Pont-l’Évêque.
Whilst visiting, you can stroll through picturesque countryside, traditional farms, and watch the cheesemaking process first-hand. Tasting Camembert in its birthplace is a whole different experience from buying it on supermarket shelves. Many of Normandy’s artisan cheesemakers still use production methods that have been passed down through generations.
Beyond the cheese, Normandy is equally famous for its fresh apple orchards, making it the perfect place to enjoy crisp local cider or a glass of Calvados as the ultimate local pairing for alongside your French cheese tour.
There’s plenty to explore while staying in Normandy, from browsing farmers’ markets or settling down with a picnic lakeside, every stop is an opportunity to explore something new.
Immerse yourself in the charming villages, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality, while reflecting on why Normandy is often a highlight of any visitor’s trip to the French countryside. The region is also known for its dramatic coastline, including the towering white cliffs of Étretat, which have inspired world-renowned artists, including Claude Monet, for generations.
Why Should You Choose a Guided Cheese Tour?
Don’t get us wrong, a self-drive itinerary is definitely possible, but guided tours in France offer a vast list of advantages.
You simply can’t beat first-hand behind the scenes access to family-run dairies, exclusive tastings of both wine and cheese, and insider knowledge of regional traditions. Our foodie tours often include vineyard visits, gourmet lunches, and opportunities to meet producers of wine and cheese who rarely give access to their farms.
“Faultless, no stress, great wine tours, amazing settings and delicious food.”
Julia – Kent, UK
Ready to Book?
If you’re looking for a seamless holiday combining both cheese tours of France and delicious wines, we can curate your perfect trip away. To book now, give us a call on +44 (0) 1920 56 02 78 or fill out our contact form.
