Camembert House (La Maison du Camembert)
About Camembert House (La Maison du Camembert)
La Maison du Camembert occupies a restored 18th-century Normandy farmhouse in the village where France's most famous cheese was born. The museum traces Camembert's origins through exhibits on traditional farm production and its evolution into modern manufacturing, featuring an extensive collection of cheese labels from around the world. Visitors follow an audio-guided tour telling the story of Marie Harel, the farmer credited with creating Camembert in 1791. Adjacent to the museum, the Fromagerie du Clos de Beaumoncel offers viewing windows into active AOP Camembert production. Each visit concludes with a comparative tasting of four Camembert varieties: pasteurized, thermized, raw milk, and a regional specialty. The on-site shop, built in the shape of a Camembert box, sells local cheeses, cider, and Norman products. Note: The museum suffered fire damage in July 2025 and is temporarily closed - check the official website before planning your visit.
Interesting Facts
The traditional Camembert recipe has remained unchanged since its invention: exactly 2 liters of milk are needed to produce one wheel of cheese. This ratio is preserved in authentic AOP Camembert de Normandie, which must be made from raw milk and hand-ladled into molds.
Marie Harel likely didn't invent Camembert in 1791 as legend claims. Historical records show the priest who supposedly taught her the recipe, Abbé Charles-Jean Bonvoust, was actually in the village from July 1796 to February 1797. The myth was popularized in the 19th century when the cheese became commercially successful.
The village of Camembert has a population of fewer than 200 people, yet it receives thousands of cheese enthusiasts annually. The entire commune covers just 10.7 square kilometers of the Orne department in Normandy, making it one of the smallest villages to give its name to a world-famous product.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Museum Entry
RecommendedIncludes audio guide and Camembert tasting with 4 cheese varieties
Location & Practical Info
Address
61 Le Bourg, 61120 Camembert, France
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