1: Toast 4 slices bread, then rub all over with half a shallot.
2: Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the toasted bread on a baking sheet and add a slice of ham on each.
3: Add a few tomato slices.
4: Finish with slices of 150 g Saint-nectaire and, if you like, grind some black pepper over.
5: Finish in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Remarks
You can use another soft-paste cheese instead of Saint-Nectaire. The bread can also be rubbed with half a garlic clove. [Translator's note: Saint-Nectaire comes from the Auvergne, a region noted for its fine cheeses, traditionally cured ham and large loaves of delicious and substantial rye bread]