Genevieve sent us some notes on how to select, taste and purchase cheeses in a French cheese shop:

Navigating the French Cheese Shop

Thanks Genevieve.

Great article - some good tips!

When Shannon and I were staying near Montrichard in 2007, we stopped in to the wine and cheese shop in the centre. Shannon checked out the wines, while I checked out the cheeses.

I can still taste the deliciously creamy and oh-so-flavorful fromage aux noix, and how the sweet cheese lady tried to help me improve my pronunciation of it!

Agree this is a great article...I wish I had read it before I ventured into a Paris cheese shop!

I was so excited, but once I actually got in one and started looking at all the different cheeses and listening and watching people make their choices, I was overwhelmed by my ignorance I was afraid to ask anything! I left feeling very sorry for myself and ended up heading to the equivalent of a "corner store", which was nice and small with no other customers, to make my initial purchase with the help of a very nice and patient owner.

I did get braver as the week progressed, but spent a lot of time just looking.....next time I will be better prepared!

Linda.