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Roquefort-sur-Soulzon facts for kids

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Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
A general view of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
A general view of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Coat of arms of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Coat of arms
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is located in France
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Location in France
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is located in Occitanie
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon
Location in Occitanie
Country France
Region Occitanie
Department Aveyron
Arrondissement Millau
Canton Saint-Affrique
Area
1
17.03 km2 (6.58 sq mi)
Population
 (Jan. 2021)
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Time zone UTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
12203 /12250
Elevation 424–828 m (1,391–2,717 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
Roquefort
Roquefort cheese is a famous blue cheese.

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is a small village in the south of France. It is located in the Aveyron department, which is part of the Midi-Pyrénées region. About 691 people lived there in 2007. This village is very famous around the world for one special thing: its delicious cheese, which is also called Roquefort.

Discover Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is a commune, which is like a small town or village, in France. It sits in a beautiful area known as the Massif Central, a large group of mountains and plateaus. The village is well-known for its unique natural caves. These caves are very important for making the famous Roquefort cheese.

The Famous Roquefort Cheese

The village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon gives its name to the well-known Roquefort cheese. This cheese is a type of blue cheese, which means it has blue or green mold veins inside. These veins give the cheese a strong, special flavor.

How Roquefort Cheese is Made

Roquefort cheese is made from the milk of Lacaune sheep. These sheep are a special breed found in this region. After the cheese is made, it is taken to the natural caves in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. The cool, damp air in these caves, along with a special type of mold called Penicillium roqueforti, helps the cheese ripen. This process gives Roquefort its unique taste and texture. The cheese must be aged in these caves for at least three months.

Protecting the Cheese's Name

The name "Roquefort" is protected by French law. This means that only cheese made in the Roquefort-sur-Soulzon area, using traditional methods and aged in its caves, can be called Roquefort. This rule helps keep the cheese's quality and history special.

Where is Roquefort-sur-Soulzon?

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is located in the southern part of France. It is in the Aveyron department, which is known for its beautiful countryside and traditional villages. The nearest larger town is Millau. The village is nestled in a valley, surrounded by hills and plateaus.

Geography and Nature

The area around Roquefort-sur-Soulzon has a varied landscape. You can find deep valleys, rocky cliffs, and green pastures. The natural caves, which are key to the cheese-making process, are formed in the limestone rock of the region. These caves have natural air currents that create the perfect conditions for aging the cheese.

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