Coulommiers Aime son Brie

Coulommiers, birthplace of the brie that bears its name

Coulommiers, a sub-prefecture of Seine-et-Marne nestled in the Grand Morin valley, is inseparable from its cheese: brie de Coulommiers, the little brother of brie de Meaux and brie de Melun, whose cheese production dates back to the Middle Ages. The town is home to the Halle aux Fromages, an elegant timber-framed building listed as part of the Île-de-France regional heritage, which once hosted cheese markets and now serves as the setting for the festival.

A Village of Taste Artisans

At the heart of the festival, the Village des Artisans du Goût brings together producers and artisans from the Brie region under the Halle aux Fromages: cheese agers, market gardeners, beekeepers, bakers, charcuterie makers, jam makers, and winemakers from the region. Each exhibitor is selected for the quality of their artisanal production. Visitors can taste and buy directly from the producers, creating an authentic connection between the land and the table.

Tasting Workshops and Food & Wine Pairings

Tasting workshops led by taste professionals allow visitors to refine their palate and discover the subtleties of Coulommiers brie in all its forms: aged, truffled, with pepper, with ash. Food and wine pairing sessions match cheeses with the best wines from the region and beyond. A pop-up restaurant run by local producers offers menus featuring brie and local products from Seine-et-Marne.

The Tasting Walk: Heritage and Gastronomy

A popular new feature of the festival, the balade gustative (tasting walk) offers a guided tour starting from the Halle aux Fromages to discover Coulommiers' architectural heritage, punctuated by gourmet stops at local shops. At each stop, participants taste cheeses, oysters, spirits, and local specialties while learning about the history of the brie town. The walk is limited to 25 people per departure to ensure an intimate and high-quality experience.

The Parade of the Brie Brotherhoods

A festive highlight of the weekend, the Parade of the Brie Brotherhoods sees members of the cheese brotherhoods parade through the streets of Coulommiers in ceremonial attire—robes, capes, hats, and medals—accompanied by fantastic cows (decorated cow sculptures) and a joyful brass band. This colorful procession celebrates the brie cheese tradition in a festive atmosphere that brings together locals and visitors.

Guinguette and Festive Evening

On Saturday evening, a guinguette (riverside tavern) set up around the Halle aux Fromages extends the festivities with live music, a rustic atmosphere, and gourmet food. It's an opportunity to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the festival on a mild September evening in the Brie region.