Wikipedia Article About Camembert on Wikipedia Camembert is a soft, creamy French cheese. It is named after the village of Camembert in the Orne département of Normandy in northwestern France, where it originated. Napoleon is said to have christened this cheese with the appellation "Camembert," naming it after the Norman village where a farmer's wife first served it to him. Now world famous, this cow's milk cheese has a white, downy rind and a smooth, creamy interior. When perfectly ripe, the cheese should ooze thickly.