The Auvergne Cheese & Charcuterie Tasting is a two-hour hosted tasting session at Fromagerie Gilles, located at 3 Rue des Gras in the historic centre of Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Fromagerie Gilles is one of the city's most respected fromageries, operated by an affineur (cheese maturer) with decades of experience sourcing and aging the five AOC cheeses of the Massif Central alongside regional charcuterie.
The tasting is structured around the six great AOC cheeses of Auvergne: Saint-Nectaire (a semi-firm farmhouse cheese with a grey-green rind, produced in the Sancy mountains), Cantal (one of France's oldest cheeses, presented here in three ages — jeune, entre-deux, and vieux), Salers (a rare pressed cooked cheese made exclusively from milk of cows at pasture in the Cantal highlands between April and November), Bleu d'Auvergne (a blue-veined cow's milk cheese with a sharp, creamy profile), Fourme d'Ambert (a milder, creamier blue produced around Ambert in the Puy-de-Dôme), and Murol (a mild washed-rind cheese from the Sancy area). The host presents each cheese in tasting order, explaining the AOC rules, the farming methods, and the ideal maturation for the version being served.
Paired with the cheeses is a selection of Auvergne charcuterie: saucisson sec de l'Auvergne and jambon d'Auvergne — a dry-cured mountain ham produced in the high-altitude pastures of the Cantal. Each charcuterie item is matched to the cheese it best complements. A glass of Côtes d'Auvergne wine, produced from volcanic soils near Clermont-Ferrand, accompanies the tasting.
The session concludes with access to Fromagerie Gilles' retail counter, where participants can purchase cheeses at shop prices with the host's guidance on optimal aging and packaging for travel. Groups typically range from four to twelve participants. The experience is conducted in French, with English commentary available when requested in advance.
What is included
- Hosted tasting at Fromagerie Gilles
- 6 Auvergne AOC cheeses: Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Salers, Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Ambert, and Murol
- Paired Auvergne charcuterie: saucisson sec, jambon d'Auvergne
- Glass of Côtes d'Auvergne wine
- Explanation of AOC designations and regional terroir
- Cheese purchase available at shop prices
Good to know
- Operator
- Fromagerie Gilles
Location
Fromagerie Gilles, 3 Rue des Gras, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand
45.7762, 3.0828 View on map
Highlights
- Taste all six Auvergne AOC cheeses — Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Salers, Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Ambert, and Murol
- Paired Auvergne charcuterie including saucisson sec and dry-cured jambon d'Auvergne
- Glass of Côtes d'Auvergne wine produced from volcanic terroir near Clermont-Ferrand
- Expert explanation of AOC designations and the farming traditions behind each cheese
- Purchase cheeses at retail prices with guidance on packaging for travel
Tips for visiting
- The tasting includes six cheeses and charcuterie — avoid a large meal beforehand
- Request English-language commentary at least 24 hours in advance when booking
- Ask the host about the difference between Salers and Cantal — the distinction is a point of local pride
- Harder cheeses like Cantal vieux travel well; soft-rind Saint-Nectaire is best consumed the same day
- The fromagerie stocks vacuum-packed options ideal for taking home by train or plane
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Salers and Cantal cheese?
Both are pressed cooked cheeses from the Cantal highlands, but Salers is made exclusively from milk of cows at pasture between 15 April and 15 November, giving it a stronger flavour and rarer production. Cantal is produced year-round and available in three ages.
Is the tasting suitable for people who cannot eat blue cheese?
Yes. The host can omit Bleu d'Auvergne and Fourme d'Ambert and substitute other regional cheeses for participants who prefer to avoid blue-veined varieties.
Can participants purchase cheese to take home?
Yes. Fromagerie Gilles' retail counter is open after the tasting. The host advises on packaging and shelf life for travel; vacuum-packed options are available.
Is the experience accessible to wheelchair users?
The fromagerie is on the ground floor with step-free access from Rue des Gras. The tasting room accommodates wheelchair users.
How much wine is served during the tasting?
One glass of Côtes d'Auvergne wine is included per person. Non-alcoholic alternatives can be requested in advance at no extra charge.