How to take a cheese tour in the summer

Cheese touring can be a lot of fun in the summer. The best place to get introduced to this fast growing hobby is the south west region of France called Aveyron. Ever heard of Rocquefort? The birthplace of blue cheese? Take a pilgrimage...

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A hotel room
• An appetite for cheese
• An appetite for history
• a warm jacket
• pants and shorts
• shoes that can deal with a bit of mud

1. First make it to the Aveyron region of France and find a agreat B&B. We stayed summer of 2005 at the "Chateau de Montalegre" for a mere $100 a night (a steal).
2. Spend the night in comfort and eat well. Speak to the other guests and hosts. Singing after a few glasses of wine is usualy allowed.
3. Go to the Rocquefort caves in the "Causses" plateau. These caves boast the invention of blue cheese in Roman times. I will not reveal the lore.
4. It may be warm out but the caves can be quite chilly dress warmly. Take the tour to as many caves as possible. Try at least the big ones: "Societe", "L'Abeille", "Papillon".
5. You will be in awe as to the size of the caves, and that an entire world wide industry resides there. Photography is usualy restricted. Follow the rules.
6. Enjoy the degustation afterwards. You will have built an appetite with the aroma of the last hour's tour.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a change of clothes. It can be a nice day outside but these caves won't care. they are cold and humid all year long.
• Alternate cheese tours with wine tours.
• Be sure to stop an also have a quince aperitif.
• Like all tourism in France there are many hours they are closed for lunch. Be sure to check in advance.
• Be careful to not get lost. All farms or XIIth century castles look the same
• If you get lost, do not ask for directions. You won't understand their English or French and vice versa.