The AOC has designated that Valencay is one of France's elite cheeses. Century-old techniques are used to make Valencay. This white cheese is made in the shape of a pyramid with the point missing at the top. It was first made into a perfect pyramid until Napoleon, after losing his campaign in Egypt, caught a glance at the cheese and it reminded him of the Egyptian pyramids. In a violent outrage, he chopped off the top of it with his sword. Afterwards, cheese makers throughout France were ordered to created Valencay the way Napoleon "revised it." Covered with ash to facilitate the development of mold, this cheese ripens in a well-ventilated room at 80% humidity. It matures for 3 weeks before it is ready for sale.