France cheese guide

Livarot

A robust Normandy washed-rind cheese traditionally bound with reed strips.

Cheese story

What is Livarot?

A robust Normandy washed-rind cheese traditionally bound with reed strips.

Origin

Normandy, France

Milk

cow

Board role

Bold / washed-rind

Cheese profile

Country France
Region Normandy
Milk type cow
Texture soft washed-rind
Rind washed rind
Ageing 6 to 8 weeks
Vegetarian Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment varies
Flavour profile: strong, spicy, meaty, creamy

Origin, protection and character

Livarot comes from France, especially Normandy. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.

Protected status

PDO/AOP

Typical ageing

6 to 8 weeks

How to serve Livarot

cheese boards, rustic bread

Good food matches

cider Calvados pears
Serving tip

Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.

Buying tip

Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.