Maison du Camembert
Museum in an 18th-century Norman farmhouse in the village of Camembert, covering the history and making of the cheese, with a tasting included.
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About the museum
The Maison du Camembert occupies an 18th-century Norman farmhouse in the heart of the village of Camembert, between the church and the town hall. The museum tells the story of the famous cheese and its production secrets, from traditional farm production in Normandy to today’s cheese dairies. It also presents a collection of Camembert labels from around the world.
The history of the cheese is linked to Marie Harel, a farmer born in Crouttes in 1761 and who died in Vimoutiers in 1844, to whom the creation of Camembert as it is known today is attributed. According to tradition, she received her know-how from a refractory priest, Abbé Charles-Jean Bonvoust, who was sheltered at the Beaumoncel manor, a 17th-century Pays d’Auge building overlooking the Viette valley.
Since August 2021, the Clos de Beaumoncel dairy has been producing farmhouse Camembert de Normandie AOP, ladled into moulds, right in the village. A glass-walled corridor allows museum visitors to watch the workshops, and videos explain how milk is turned into cheese. The visit ends in the shop with a comparative tasting of several types of Camembert.
Highlights
- 18th-century Norman farmhouse in the heart of the village of Camembert
- History of Camembert and Marie Harel
- Collection of Camembert labels from around the world
- Glass-walled corridor overlooking the Beaumoncel dairy workshops
- Comparative Camembert tasting included in the ticket
Permanent exhibition
- La visite du musée du camembert – A route through the history of Camembert, its production methods over time, and a collection of labels from around the world.
- Operated by
- Les Fromageries de Normandie
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Children aged 11 to 14 |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 9 · Half price for ages 11 to 14; free for children under 10. No rate is given for children aged 10. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €3.50 per personGroups of more than 15 people, 2026 rate; €4 per person in 2027. Free for the driver. A glass of cider or apple juice can be added for €1.50. |
The admission price includes a Camembert tasting. Full price from age 14.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website states the site is accessible to people with disabilities, without further detail. Dogs are not admitted.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 75 min |
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| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking in front of the town hall, for cars, coaches and motorhomes.
The museum is in the heart of the village of Camembert, between the church and the town hall, 4 km from Vimoutiers.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop is shaped like a Camembert box, and the tasting takes place there. It also sells Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque, Neufchâtel, farm cider, poiré and apple juice. Platters are available on request in the shop: a four-AOP platter for €10, roasted Camembert for €9 (drinks not included). Picnic area at the entrance to the village.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Self-guided visit; allow about 1 hour 15 minutes. Groups (from 15 people) are welcomed and then visit the museum independently, with the team available to answer questions. |
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