5 French Cheeses Perfect for a First Tasting (And Easy to Fall in Love With)
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
French cheese can feel intimidating—hundreds of names, different milk types, and aromas that range from delicate to bold. The good news: your first tasting doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right selection, you’ll get a tour of France’s most iconic styles in just a few bites, and you’ll know exactly what to buy next time.
Below are five French cheeses that are approachable, widely loved, and easy to serve at home. If you’re building a cheese board for friends (or just treating yourself), this lineup is a confident first step—and a smart way to shop.
How to Taste French Cheese Like a Pro (In 3 Minutes)
Bring to room temperature: Let cheese sit out 20–40 minutes for full flavor.
Go mild to bold: Start with gentle, creamy cheeses and finish with the strongest.
Use simple pairings: A baguette, plain crackers, fruit, and one jam are enough.
For a quick checklist of portions, storage, and board-building, see our cheese board essentials guide.
1) Brie de Meaux (or Brie de Melun) — The Classic Creamy Crowd-Pleaser
What it tastes like: Buttery, creamy, gently mushroomy with a soft, edible rind. Brie is often the gateway French cheese because it’s rich without being aggressive.
Best for first-timers because…
It’s familiar in texture (soft and spreadable) and easy to like.
It pairs with almost anything on a board.
How to serve and what to buy
Serve with: baguette, pear slices, honey, or light jam.
Buy tip: Choose a wedge that looks supple (not dried out) with a white rind and a pale, creamy interior.
2) Comté — Nutty, Smooth, and Extremely Snackable
What it tastes like: Firm, smooth, and nutty with subtle sweetness. Comté is aged in different stages—young is milder; older is deeper and more complex.
Best for first-timers because…
It’s approachable like a premium “everyday” cheese, but distinctly French.
It’s easy to slice and serve (no mess, no fuss).
How to serve and what to buy
Serve with: grapes, toasted nuts, crusty bread, or sparkling wine.
Buy tip: Start with 12–18 months aged Comté for a balanced first tasting.
Want a ready-to-go selection? Explore our French cheese tasting bundles for a simple first board.
3) Crottin de Chavignol — A Gentle Introduction to Goat Cheese
What it tastes like: Fresh versions are mild, tangy, and creamy. As it ages, it becomes firmer with a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Best for first-timers because…
It shows what goat cheese can be without being overpowering.
You can try two “styles” by choosing a younger or slightly aged one.
How to serve and what to buy
Serve with: baguette, cucumber, apples, or a drizzle of honey.
Buy tip: If you’re goat-cheese shy, pick a young (fresh) Crottin for the mildest profile.
4) Reblochon — Cozy, Creamy, and Perfect for Comfort-Lovers
What it tastes like: Soft, creamy, and savory with a gently earthy aroma. Reblochon has a richer, more “cheesy” character than Brie, but it’s still very approachable.
Best for first-timers because…
It bridges the gap between mild bloomy rinds and more aromatic washed rinds.
It’s incredible warm or at room temperature.
How to serve and what to buy
Serve with: potatoes (warm), charcuterie, cornichons, or crusty bread.
Buy tip: Look for a soft, yielding cheese with a slightly orange-tinted rind.
If you’d like pairing suggestions tailored to what you’re buying, check our wine and cheese pairing tips.
5) Roquefort — The Blue Cheese That Converts People
What it tastes like: Creamy, salty, tangy, and complex. Roquefort is bold, but it’s also luxurious—many first-timers are surprised by how balanced it can feel with the right pairing.
Best for first-timers because…
It delivers a true “wow” moment and rounds out the tasting with contrast.
A little goes a long way—great value for a small purchase.
How to serve and what to buy
Serve with: figs, pears, walnuts, or a touch of honey. Sweet pairings smooth the salt and tang.
Buy tip: Ask for a smaller wedge; it’s meant to be enjoyed in modest bites.
Build a First-Tasting Cheese Board (Simple Shopping List)
Use this as a practical buy list—no guessing in the store.
Cheese: Brie, Comté, Crottin de Chavignol, Reblochon, Roquefort
Bread/crackers: baguette + plain crackers
Fruit: grapes + pear (or apple)
Something sweet: honey or fig jam
Something briny: cornichons or olives
To make ordering faster, browse our best-selling French cheeses and build your first tasting box in minutes.
Where to Buy French Cheese (If You Want to Shop in Person)
If you prefer a guided purchase, go to a dedicated cheese shop and ask for “beginner-friendly French cheeses” using the list above. Here are a few reputable options:
Paris: Androuët, 134 Rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris, France
London: La Fromagerie, 2-6 Moxon St, London W1U 4EW, UK
New York City: Murray’s Cheese, 254 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Final Tip: Buy Less, Buy Better
For a first tasting, quality beats quantity. Pick 3–5 cheeses, buy smaller portions, and focus on variety: one creamy, one firm, one goat, one savory-soft, and one blue. You’ll learn your preferences quickly—and your next purchase will be even easier.