It is one of the most famous smiles in the world. No, not the Mona Lisa. A hint: Its creator, Benjamin Rabier, was born in La Roche-sur-Yon. Still not sure? Well, you know The Laughing Cow® cheese? Of course you do. The beaming bovine began life as a mascot on a truck carrying food supplies during World War I. At the time, she was nicknamed Wachkyrie, a reference to Wagner's “Ride of the Valkyries”. In the 1920s, the little madam got a colourful red face and a pair of earrings. The legend was born. Today, as a tribute to the father of processed cheese, there is a street in La Roche-sur-Yon that still bears the name of this genius artist.
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