Cheese Festival - Festi'Fromage
The great festival of cheeses and cheese-making gastronomy in Issoire
About Festi'Fromage
Created in 2018 in Clermont-Ferrand and then established in Issoire, Festi'Fromage (formerly Cheese Festival) is a gourmet and festive event dedicated to cheeses and cheese-making gastronomy. Every spring, the Halle aux Grains and the town center of Issoire host a market of selected producers, the National Cheese Competition with a jury of "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" (Best Craftsmen of France), the Truffade World Championship, and tasting workshops. Entry is free for all.
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Festi'Fromage: The Cheese Festival in Issoire
Born in 2018 under the name Cheese Festival at the Place de la Victoire in Clermont-Ferrand, the event has evolved to become Festi'Fromage, set in the historic surroundings of Issoire. Supported by the Festi'Fromage association, this free gourmet festival has become a must-attend event for lovers of Auvergne cheeses and gastronomy.
The National Cheese Competition
The highlight of the festival is the National Cheese Competition, judged by an exceptional jury composed of "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" cheese makers and recognized professionals:
- François Robin – MOF Cheesemonger
- Pierre Gay – MOF Cheesemonger
- Fabien Degoulet – Best Cheesemonger in the World 2015
- Olivier Nivesse – cheese ager for over 22 years
- Frédéric Luc – cheesemonger offering 200 varieties of farmstead cheeses
The Truffade World Championship
Since 2025, the festival has hosted the first world championship of truffade, an emblematic specialty of Auvergne. Chefs from France, Europe, and around the world compete to make the best truffade. This unique competition celebrates Auvergne's gastronomic heritage through one of its most iconic dishes.
A Producers' Market and Workshops
The festival features a market of selected producers with about thirty exhibitors, gourmet workshops for tasting and cheese making, musical entertainment, and discovery areas. Entry is free for everyone, making Festi'Fromage a popular and accessible event.
A Historic Setting
The activities take place in the Halle aux Grains and in the historic town center of Issoire, offering a remarkable heritage setting to celebrate one of France's greatest gastronomic treasures: its cheeses.
Festi'Fromage — edition 2026
The 5th edition of Festi'Fromage will take place at the end of April 2026 at the Halle aux Grains and in the town center of Issoire. The festival will continue its celebration of cheeses with the National Competition, the Truffade World Championship, a producers' market, and gourmet workshops. Free entry.
5th Edition - April 2026
Festi'Fromage returns for its 5th edition at the end of April 2026 in Issoire. The festival will continue to celebrate French cheeses with the National Cheese Competition, the Truffade World Championship, a market of selected producers, and gourmet workshops. The full program will be announced in early 2026.
Prices Festi'Fromage 2026
Practical information — Festi'Fromage
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Issoire is accessible via the A75 from Clermont-Ferrand (about 35 minutes). Free parking is available in the town center and around the Halle aux Grains.
By train: Issoire SNCF station is served by TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes trains from Clermont-Ferrand. The Halle aux Grains is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Festival Venue
The festival takes place at the Halle aux Grains and in the historic town center of Issoire, 63500.
Prices
Free entry for everyone. Some tasting workshops may be subject to a fee.
Opening Hours
Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM. Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Contact
Festi'Fromage Association
Head Office: Maison des Associations, 20 rue du Palais, 63500 Issoire
Postal Address: Fromagerie Houlbert, 17 rue Berbiziale, 63500 Issoire
Phone: 06 33 64 78 25
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Festi'Fromage at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Festi'Fromage
Halle aux Grains et centre-ville d'Issoire
Halle aux Grains, centre-ville, 63500 Issoire