Best Saint-Nectaire AOP Contest

The annual meeting for Saint-Nectaire enthusiasts

The Best Saint-Nectaire AOP Contest is the flagship event for the Auvergne cheese industry. Organized every year at the La Tour-d'Auvergne lake, in the majestic setting of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcans d'Auvergne, this contest brings together the best producers, dairies, and affineurs of the appellation for two days of gourmet and convivial festivities.

A cheese excellence contest

The official contest takes place on Sunday morning with the participation of over 110 farm producers, 4 dairies, and about ten affineurs divided into three categories:

• Saint-Nectaire fermier: raw milk cheeses produced and aged on the farm, reflecting the ancestral know-how of AOP producers.
• Saint-Nectaire laitier: cheeses made by the appellation's dairies.
• Affineur challenge: competition dedicated to aging professionals who perfect the cheese to its optimal maturity.

The jury, composed of recognized professionals, evaluates each cheese according to strict criteria for appearance, texture, and taste. The awards ceremony takes place on Sunday afternoon, crowning the best cheeses of the year.

A festive weekend in the heart of Auvergne

Beyond the contest, the event offers a rich and varied program for all audiences:

Saturday - Festive evening

• Thematic hike: guided discovery of the volcanic landscapes and pastures of the AOP area (approx. 4-5 km).
• DJ set and concert: musical atmosphere with a saxophonist and orchestra for a dance evening by the lake.
• Show: open-air theatrical and musical performance.
• Food trucks: gourmet food on site.

Sunday - Contest day

• Producers' market: direct sale of Saint-Nectaire fermier and local Auvergne products.
• Culinary workshops: demonstrations and introductory sessions on cheese.
• Tastings: discovery of different varieties and aging of Saint-Nectaire.
• Young cattle presentation: showcasing local livestock and traditional breeds.
• Classical music concert: musical interlude in the late afternoon.
• Country meal: convivial lunch based on local products.

La Tour-d'Auvergne, birthplace of the contest

La Tour-d'Auvergne is a commune located at over 1,000 meters altitude in the Cézallier mountains, southwest of Puy-de-Dôme. Its lake offers an exceptional natural setting to host this event, with views of the Auvergne volcanoes. The commune is at the heart of the Saint-Nectaire AOP appellation area, which covers 69 communes between the Dore mountains and the Cézallier.

70 years of appellation, 25 editions of the contest

The Saint-Nectaire appellation was recognized in 1955, making it one of the oldest French cheese AOPs. The official contest, created in the early 2000s, celebrates this tradition by bringing together industry stakeholders every year in a spirit of conviviality and excellence. The 2025 edition, the 25th, marked the 70th anniversary of the AOP with exceptional festivities.