Cheese Festival - Festi'Fromage

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.