In what might be considered one of the biggest face palms in history, France, the very capital of cheese, has not had a designated museum to cheese - the history, production, and consumption of all of the dairy and bacterial goodness - until now that is...
Today, let's take a P'Niche peek at Paris' new Musée Vivant du Fromage...
Now, I hear you say, but P'Nicher, the title of the museum translates to "Living" museum of cheese - why? Great question you seeker of cheesy "culture" you! (You see what I did there?!)
OUI, this museum is dedicated to the practice of making cheese, which entails lots of living bacteria and processes, hence the name...
Enter Pierre Brisson - the museum's founder. When he moved to Paris 15 years ago, he saw that the city was lacking in a spaced space dedicated to cheese, and wanted to bring this to Paris.
He brought a lifetime of passion for cheese to the thought process of his museum - having visited a cheese monger weekly each Sunday since childhood. With memories of his nose pressed to the cheese display case, Brisson noted, "I became fascinated by where they came from and how they were made."
Very important to Brisson was to curate a space that was interactive - a true immersion into all things cheese.
From growth to the nuanced ways of cutting and pairing cheeses (oooh, it is apéro o'clock?!), close attention was paid to each detail.
I can almost hear Redd Montorgueil calling my name!
All cheesy (groan) jokes aside, the museum takes the experience of the interaction very seriously. Each tour is led by an expert cheese maker, with extensive knowledge from production to consumption.
Playful displays ensure that the lesson is not only informative, but tactile - all of your senses are employed to get the most out of time spent in the dedicated space.
The various methods, techniques, and tools are expanded upon as you are guided through the experience. With questions, answers, trivia games, and joviality, all are made to feel included in this passion - this world of cheese. You will be impressed by how much goes into cheese - all passed down - with not much left to the chance of mechanical industry for a good (non-processed) cheese.
At last, we've come to the part we've all been waiting for. (Air Horn Sounds!) The Cheese Tasting!
A vast selection of cheeses are displayed and further explained. There is more than enough for people to try each - and quite frankly, go back for seconds and thirds. You'll be surprised how much your new knowledge will enhance the already delicious tastes you are enjoying!
Want to head out for a scrumptious lesson and tasting? Wonderful - and P'Niche PSA - this is a great rainy day activity!
Musée Vivant du Fromage
39 rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile (75004)
Métro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Pont-Marie (Line 7)
Tickets / tours must be purchased in advance and are offered in French or English.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00am - 7:30pm
Cost: €20 for adults
€17 for 12-17 year-olds
€13 for 5-11 year-olds.
So - are you ready to learn some more about (one of) France's best contributions to life, P'Nicher? Already an expert and want to share your favorite/s? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
We visited shortly after it opened and found it very interesting and the way the information is set up is fun and clever. A worthwhile visit to be sure.
Merci Chrissy, on my list when I can get back to Paris! I did not have time in October! Great article!
I had heard about it but just thought it sounded odd. Your description makes me definitely want to visit here the next time I'm in Paris. Thanks Chrissy!!!
What's French for "drooling?" Merci for uncovering another treasure for us!