5 Best Cheese Shops in Toulouse
In Xavier's cellars, time and tradition converge to age cheeses to perfection, crafting flavors that tell tales of passion and craftsmanship.
Welcome to Toulouse, affectionately known as La Ville Rose for its charming city center constructed entirely with terracotta bricks. While Toulouse boasts accolades as the European capital of the aerospace industry and stands as one of France's largest university cities, it's perhaps best celebrated for its gastronomy. The heart of Toulouse beats with a culinary rhythm, drawing inspiration from its extraordinary climate that nurtures abundant fresh produce.
Nestled within this culinary tapestry, cheese emerges as a shining star. Occitania's region boasts a rich cheese heritage unmatched elsewhere in France. Each cheese tells a story of our land and its people, a testament to the dedication of our farmers who blend tradition with innovation. From the creamy AOP Pélardon to the umami-rich IGP Tomme des Pyrénées and the intense AOP Roquefort, our cheeses embody the essence of our region.
Cheese isn't just a culinary delight here; it's a cultural and historical asset, deeply woven into the fabric of our identity. No visit to Toulouse is complete without savoring our "white gold." To embark on this gastronomic journey, we invite you to explore the city's 5 best cheese shops, where you'll find a curated selection of regional treasures waiting to be discovered. Join us as we unveil Toulouse's top cheese destinations, ensuring your culinary exploration is extraordinary.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between “fromager” and “affineur”?
Our Top 5 Picks: Best Cheese Shops in Toulouse
1. Xavier
2. Deux Chavanne
3. Betty
4. Emilie
5. Fromoccitanie
Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Cheese and Wine Tasting in Toulouse
Conclusion
What is the difference between “fromager” and “affineur”?
Two terms often arise in the world of French cheese: "fromager" and "affineur." Understanding the nuances between them can enhance your appreciation for the cheese shopping experience in Toulouse.
In French, "fromager" encompasses two distinct roles. Firstly, it refers to the cheesemaker, the artisan who crafts cheese from milk through a meticulous process steeped in tradition and expertise. Secondly, "fromager" also denotes the cheese shop, where a curated selection of cheeses is offered for sale. These shops often embody a passion for cheese, with knowledgeable staff guiding customers through their offerings. These cheesemongers, who undergo a 2-year professional degree called CAP, know everything about their cheese portfolio and can help you perfectly pair your cheese with a regional wine. Because, let’s face it, cheese and wine go together in France.
On the other hand, an "affineur" specializes in the art of cheese aging and maturation. This figure doesn’t exist in most European cheese-making countries like Italy, Spain, or Greece. The fact is that most small cheese producers in France are farmers, and their major focus is on taking care of and milking their cows, goats, and sheep. They’re humble farmers with no financial capacity to sit on their inventory, on cheese aging for weeks, months, or even years. So they sell them young, and that’s when this stakeholder comes into play. Affineurs buy them and take care of the affinage, a crucial step in cheese production, where cheeses are carefully monitored and aged to perfection. Affineurs select, store, and age cheeses, ensuring optimal flavor development and texture. Some of the best cheese shops in Toulouse also function as affineurs, showcasing a dedication to the craft that elevates the cheese-buying experience.
Cheese gourmet shops offer several advantages over purchasing cheese from supermarkets. They provide a curated selection of high-quality cheeses, they source directly from local producers or artisanal cheesemakers, they ensure freshness and authenticity, they support small-scale farming and sustainability, they preserve the rich cultural heritage of cheese-making in the region… But at the end of the day, the use of raw milk makes their cheese better than the ones we find in French supermarkets. Grocery stores sell industrial and processed cheeses whose milk has been pasteurized to extend their shelf life. But that also means shallower and less nuanced cheeses. Overall, shopping at these gourmet cheese shops, “fromagers” and “affineurs,” promises a more immersive and rewarding culinary experience than simply grabbing cheese off the shelf at a supermarket.
Our Top 5 Picks: Best Cheese Shops in Toulouse
1. Xavier - Fromager/Affineur
François, owner of Fromagerie Xavier, sits proudly atop a wheel of Comté in the cellar. The French flag adorning the collar of his chef jacket symbolizes his status as a holder of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) title.
Nestled near the bustling Marché Couvert Victor Hugo, Xavier is not merely a cheese shop; it's a veritable sanctuary for cheese enthusiasts. This establishment is a feast for the senses, offering a visual and gustatory journey into the heart of the French cheese tradition. Xavier is distinguished not only by its exceptional range of cheeses but also by its prestigious recognition: it is the only Fromager/Affineur in Toulouse awarded the MOF title (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and excellence in the artisanal cheese domain.
Founded in 1976 by Xavier and now helmed by his son, François, the shop maintains its legacy of traditional savoir-faire blended with a passion that spans generations. At Xavier, an obsession with raw milk underscores their commitment to quality and authenticity, with a portfolio boasting over 300 varieties of cheese. Highlights include aged Comtés ranging from 12 to 48 months, the house specialty Brie Truffé, and the unique Pavé Toulousain, a creation that exemplifies the shop's innovative spirit.
Each cheese at Xavier, from the dense, nutty layers of their Brie Truffé to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the Pavé Toulousain, is an invitation to explore the depths of cheese artistry. With expert guidance from knowledgeable staff, visitors are ensured an extraordinary journey through the world of cheese, making Xavier a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to delve into the rich tapestry of French gastronomy.
2. Deux Chavanne - Fromager/Affineur
Olivier Chavanne, co-owner of Deux Chavanne, meticulously inspects cheese during the affinage process in their cellar, where excellence and tradition blend seamlessly.
Founded in 1999 by brothers Grégory and Olivier, Deux Chavanne is a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition, quality aging, and taste innovation. Located in the heart of Toulouse, with outlets in the bustling Marché Victor Hugo and Marché des Carmes, this cheese shop boasts a phenomenal portfolio of over 200 cheeses, many sourced from local producers. Each cheese is meticulously selected for its origins and story, aiming to bring unparalleled subtlety and distinction.
At Deux Chavanne, patrons can find some of the most celebrated AOP/IGP regional cheeses, such as Bethmale de Tradition, Laguiole, Phebus, Tomme de Soulor, Pélardon, Cabécou de Rocamadour, Bleu de Causses, along with a wide selection of regional Roqueforts, offering milder and funkier options. With over two decades of affinage expertise, Deux Chavanne masterfully ensures that patience and precision in the aging process culminate in the perfect blend of flavors, colors, and textures.
Beyond traditional, artisanal, and farm cheeses, they also innovate by borrowing haute pâtisserie techniques to create savory cakes that can be spread on bread. Their pièce de résistance, la Truffe en Trompe-l'œil, masquerades as a real black truffle but is actually a truffled brie-cheese spread. Other innovative specialties include their Nougat de Vieux Gouda, reminiscent of Spanish turrón de Jijona, Brie Truffé, and Vertical de Comté.
Deux Chavanne’s ethos extends beyond its cheese creations. The team values the interactions and advice it provides to customers, seeing it as the essence of its profession. It aims not just to sell cheese but to share its passion, guiding each visitor through a discovery of flavors that promises to transform any cheese platter into a narrative of innovation, tradition, and exquisite taste.
3. Betty - Fromager/Affineur
Stéphane, Betty's son and the diligent manager, carefully inspects cheeses in their cellar, guiding each piece through the crucial affinage process with precision and care.
La Fromagerie Betty is not just a cheese shop in Toulouse; it's a story of a family's passion for cheese that has flourished across three generations. It all started with Maurice, Betty's father, who initiated a cheese trading business in 1952 at the wholesale market on Place Arnaud Bernard. Immersed in the world of cheese from a young age, Betty established her fromagerie under her name at the bustling Victor Hugo market in the heart of Toulouse. In 1996, the legacy was passed to Stéphane, their son, who officially took the helm of La Fromagerie Betty in 2009.
But there's more to Betty than just tradition and lineage. The fromagerie has garnered fame for its unique collaboration with CNES, the French Space Agency headquartered in Toulouse. Betty provides monthly cheese luncheons for its 1500 employees. She has also achieved the extraordinary feat of sending a French cheese platter to the International Space Station, making her the only fromager in France and the world to do so. This celestial achievement underlines the exceptional quality and reputation that La Fromagerie Betty has cultivated over the years.
Beyond these remarkable ventures, La Fromagerie Betty boasts a comprehensive portfolio of 200 cheeses. However, what truly sets them apart are their "plateaux" – meticulously curated cheese trays designed for groups ranging from 8 to 22 people. Each plateau comes with a thoughtful booklet guiding consumers through the journey of cheese tasting, from milder to stronger flavors, complemented by wine pairing suggestions for each cheese. Among their offerings, the Plateau "Fromages du Pays d'Oc" stands out, showcasing an exquisite selection of six regional cheeses from Occitania, reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage.
In essence, La Fromagerie Betty embodies the soul of Toulouse's cheese culture, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. From its historic roots to its gastronomic contributions to space exploration, this family-run fromagerie offers an unparalleled cheese experience that transcends the ordinary, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the art of cheese.
4. Emilie - Fromager
Left: The charming Fromagerie Emilie nestled in Marché Victor Hugo.
Right: Emilie herself, proudly showcasing a regional cheese, embodying the passion and tradition of her craft.
La Fromagerie Emilie, nestled in the heart of Toulouse within the historic confines of the Victor Hugo market, is more than just a cheese shop; it is the culmination of a lifelong passion and heritage. Emilie, a merchant's daughter with a deep-rooted cheesemaking lineage, has charmingly welcomed patrons to her stall for over seven years. This stall, with a 42-year presence in the market, represents not just a business but a legacy, one that Emilie, at just 32 years old, has embraced with enthusiasm and dedication, following in the footsteps of her parents, who were esteemed cheesemongers at the Marché Des Carmes for three decades.
Emilie's mission is simple yet profound: to introduce her customers to high-quality cheeses that transform every meal into a luxurious experience for the palate. A comprehensive education, including a stint at a prestigious Parisian school and an enriching apprenticeship at Maison Jeannot in Colomiers, mark her journey into the world of cheese. This foundation of knowledge and experience, coupled with her innate passion for cheese, paved the way for her to take over from Mme Beteille, who entrusted Emilie with her legacy.
With a deep affection for her region, Emilie specializes in local and regional cheeses, offering an impressive array of 150 to 200 varieties. Her selection spans cow's milk cheeses, goat's milk cheeses, and AOP-labeled cheeses, including regional treasures like Rocamadour, Ossau-Iraty, Roquefort, and Fourme du Cantal. Emilie's dedication to showcasing the rich tapestry of local cheese culture is evident in every piece she curates for her customers.
Beyond the daily operation of her cheese shop, Emilie extends her expertise to special occasions, offering a range of services from custom cheese platters to wine and cheese tasting workshops for private and professional events. Whether it's for a cozy winter evening with raclette and fondue cheeses or a sophisticated gathering requiring exquisite cheese pairings, La Fromagerie Emilie stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and a testament to the enduring allure of French cheese tradition.
5. Fromoccitanie - Fromager
Camille, the owner, poised to open up a Tomme de Pyrénées, a cheese wheel that's a regional specialty, capturing the essence of local tradition and flavor.
Fromoccitanie is not just a cheese shop located on the vibrant avenue Camille Pujol in the Côte Pavée neighborhood of Toulouse; it's a testament to the spirit of the Occitanie region, blending the love for "fromage" with the pride of being from Occitanie. Behind this venture stands Mélanie, a woman whose journey from the corporate world of communication and human resources to creating her dream cheese shop is inspiring. Driven by a quest for meaning and a desire to contribute to the local economy, Mélanie embarked on a path that led her to the world of gastronomy, where her passion for fine food, particularly cheese, could flourish.
Mélanie's leap into the cheese business was fueled by a deep appreciation for terroir products and a commitment to bridging the gap between producers and consumers, showcasing their craftsmanship while respecting the integrity of their produce. This transition was not an impulse but a calculated move, backed by intensive training and meaningful encounters that set the stage for the birth of Fromoccitanie.
Fromoccitanie is more than just a shop; it's a hub for quality, locally sourced, and seasonal cheeses from the Occitanie region. Mélanie's vision extends beyond sales and advice; she aims to cultivate a space for awareness around local, healthy, and sustainable eating practices. This mission is furthered through the celebration of artisanal production and consumption processes.
The shop also serves as a venue for various events and workshops, ranging from cheese-making sessions to educational activities in schools, fairs, and farms, fostering a community around the appreciation of local food culture. These efforts not only highlight Occitanie's rich cheese heritage but also position Fromoccitanie as a cornerstone in promoting a sustainable and engaging gastronomic landscape.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Cheese and Wine Tasting in Toulouse
With France boasting an impressive array of approximately 1,300 cheeses, the nation's gourmet fromagers, and affineurs typically curate collections ranging between 150 to 300 distinct varieties. We recognize that stepping into a cheese shop can be a daunting experience for visitors, given the challenge of making selections from such an extensive array.
Enter the Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: a 3.5-hour immersive walking food tour that weaves through the historic quarters of Carmes and Saint-Étienne. This journey is punctuated by 7 stops, 7 stories, 7 food samples. A highlight of our tour is visiting the vibrant Marché des Carmes, where we procure artisanal regional cheeses directly from Deux-Chavanne. The adventure continues at our most cherished local wine shop, L'Énvie du Sud, where we sit to taste these select cheeses, expertly pairing them with the finest regional wines.
This experience is not only an opportunity to navigate the art of market cheese shopping with ease but also a chance to deepen your appreciation for French cheeses. For those looking to refine their cheese selection skills before venturing into Toulouse's esteemed cheese shops, we invite you to explore our insightful article, "A Beginner's Guide to French Cheese: Savoring the Cheese Lover’s Paradise."
A group savors a delicious piece of Tomme des Pyrénées during our Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef, at the Deux Chavanne stop in Marché des Carmes, enjoying a taste of local heritage.
Conclusion
In the heart of Toulouse, a city celebrated for its vibrant history and rich culinary heritage, lies an extraordinary journey for the senses. From the unparalleled craftsmanship of local fromagers and affineurs to the exquisite pairings of cheese and wine, Toulouse is a paradise for gourmets and epicureans alike. Our curated selection of the best cheese shops offers a glimpse into the soul of Occitanie, inviting you to explore, taste, and cherish the artisanal treasures within. Embrace this gastronomic adventure, where every bite tells the story of tradition, passion, and the enduring love for French cheese.
If you have any questions about this blog or our tours, please visit our website or get in touch with us. Are you eager to further your exploration of French cheese culture? Dive into our article “What to Eat in Toulouse? Discover the Top 6 AOP/IGP Cheeses from Occitania,” and continue your culinary journey through the heart of France. This is just the beginning of a delicious adventure that awaits you.
Bon appétit!
