Marie Harel

[[file:Vimoutiers_-_Marie_Harel_Bought_Back_To_Life_In_1953_By_a_Group_Of_American_Farmers.jpg}}</ref>|thumb|right]] Marie Harel (28 April 1761 – 9 November 1844) was a French dairymaid who is credited with inventing the Camembert cheese. She was born in Crouttes, a small village in the Normandy region of France.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Marie Harel was born Marie Catherine Fontaine in the village of Crouttes, in the Orne department of Normandy. She married Jacques Harel, a farm laborer, and they settled in the nearby village of Camembert.

Invention of Camembert Cheese[edit | edit source]

According to legend, during the French Revolution, Marie Harel sheltered a priest from the region of Brie, who was fleeing the revolutionary forces. In gratitude, the priest shared with her the secret of making a soft, creamy cheese. Marie Harel adapted this recipe using the rich milk from the cows of Normandy, and thus, Camembert cheese was born.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Marie Harel's contribution to the world of cheese-making has made her a celebrated figure in the history of French cuisine. The village of Camembert has become synonymous with the cheese, and her legacy is honored in the region. A statue of Marie Harel stands in the town of Vimoutiers, commemorating her role in the creation of Camembert cheese.