Normandy’s famous little round: rich, earthy and best eaten when it just starts to soften.
Where it comes from
Camembert comes from Normandy, in the north-west of France, land of orchards, rain and rich pastures. Every round is sold in a small wooden box, an idea from the late 19th century that let it travel to Paris by train.
Many cheeses are called Camembert, but only one is Camembert de Normandie, protected since 1983. It must be made from raw milk, and the curd is ladled into the moulds by hand in several layers. That slow, gentle work keeps the paste soft and supple. Each round weighs around 250 grams and ripens for at least three weeks.
How it tastes
Young Camembert is mild, with a firm, chalky heart. Ripe, it turns creamy all the way through and tastes of butter, mushroom, earth and cooked cabbage in the best possible way. It is stronger and more rustic than Brie.
When it smells sharply of ammonia, it has gone too far.
How to buy and serve it
- Look for “Camembert de Normandie” and “lait cru” on the label.
- Press the centre through the paper: it should give slightly.
- Keep it in its box and paper, not in cling film.
- Serve at room temperature, and eat the rind.
The pairing
The local answer: Normandy cider. A dry, farmhouse cider has the acidity to cut the cream, and its apple notes sit perfectly with the earthy rind. What grows together goes together.
The secret is acidity. Camembert is rich and earthy, so it needs a drink that refreshes rather than one that adds weight. That is why cider and sparkling wine beat big red wines here, every time.
- Bubbles: Domaine Sunnen-Hoffmann Crémant Blanc de Noir (about €19.70). Like cider, it refreshes after each rich bite.
- A light red: Friedrich Becker Spätburgunder (about €17.80), soft and fruity, never tannic.
- Close to home: a Luxembourg Crémant or a dry Elbling.
- After dinner: a small glass of Calvados, the apple brandy of Normandy.
Also try it with
- Crusty bread and slices of crisp apple.
- Baked in its box at 180 °C for 15 minutes, then dipped into.
- Melted into a tart with apples and onions.
- A green salad with walnuts.
More cheeses → · See all twenty bottles →
Photo: Pixabay
Prices were checked in October 2026 and can change. Please drink responsibly. L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.