Thônes , capital of Reblochon and Chevrotin cheeses, cannot rely on its farms to maintain its reputation! A visit to one of them is an inevitable must during your stay.
It would be difficult to tell you about all the farms in the area, as there are so many. They are part of the history and heritage of the Aravis region . Come and discover this traditional activity and these fabulous cheeses with their delicious alpine flavor!
Lorette Farm
Discover an authentic alpine farm facing Mont Blanc.
Visit in summer
From June to September, the 70 dairy cows at Ferme de Lorette graze on the flowery alpine pastures of the Beauregard plateau , a Natura 2000 protected site. The farm is therefore particularly committed to valuing and preserving its natural resources for sustainable agriculture that blends tradition and modernity. Located in a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) area, you can discover the production of the famous Reblochon Fermier cheese , as well as many other cheeses such as Abondance and Tomme de Beauregard . The milk collected daily is processed directly on the farm after milking. Come and discover the traditional skills of alpine farming and enjoy delicious cheeses with a view of Mont Blanc.
Two accesses are possible:
- By the Beauregard cable car from the center of La Clusaz then about 10 minutes walk
- For the Croix-Fry pass. Leave the car at the pass car park and enjoy the beauty of the plateau during a short family walk of about 45 minutes following the signs. For people with reduced mobility, access is also possible via a passable path.
Two options are available for visits: free and self-guided, all day or guided and paid at 14:30 pm, by reservation, from June 15 to September 1 (allow approximately 1 hour).
On Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m., from mid-June to early September, a fun visit is specially organized for children.
Visit in winter
From October to May, the herd returns to the main farm located in Glapigny, in the hills above Thônes, to a completely renovated building. In good weather, the cows graze in the surrounding fields and return to the barn around 2:30-3:00 pm for daily milking.
There are no guided tours of the Lorette farm in Glapigny in winter. The farm is accessible every evening for free only from 16pm to 18pm. You can access the stable, pet the calves and watch the milking. However, there is no direct access to the milking parlor or the cheese production room.
To find out more: go here.
The GAEC of Vent des Cimes
Find the cows and goats of Vent des Cimes at the foot of Mont Charvin.
Visit in summer
At the end of May, the two partners, their 70 cows and 35 goats , move up to the foot of Mont Charvin to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the fresh, flowering grass of the alpine pastures. At the Chalet de l'Aulp de Marlens , the herds return to the barn morning and evening for the two daily milkings that will produce the excellent Reblochon Fermier AOP , as well as cow's milk tomme, raclette, and goat's milk cheeses, Chevrotin AOP, tomme, and crottin.
You can taste them during the tours organized on Thursdays at 14 p.m. by reservation. Allow about 1h30 for the tour which turns out to be a real encounter with two enthusiasts and their herds who tell a life story and stories of mountain pastures with the good taste of cheese!
To reach the alpine pasture, you can park at the Les Sardoches car park and take a section of the Tour du Val Sulens trail . A beautiful, flower-filled hike of about 45 minutes will lead you to the farm where you can also have a meal and spend the night with a view of the majestic mountain.
Visit in winter
In October, the herds return to the Serraval farm where the goats and cows will spend the winter sheltered in a building that houses all the animals, as well as the milking parlor, the cheese dairy, and the hay drying area. This management approach combines traditional methods with modern techniques that respect the environment, the animals, and the people.
From mid-October to the end of May, the Bois Berger farm in Serraval welcomes visits for groups of 10 people minimum and only by reservation on Thursdays at 14 p.m.
To find out more: go here.
The Reblochon Fermier Cooperative – Le Farto
Come and discover the history of Reblochon Fermier AOP and its origins in the Aravis mountains, particularly in Thônes, its capital. Le Farto, the only cooperative dedicated to maturing Reblochon Fermier, has been maturing, selecting, and marketing the finest cheeses from the two Savoie regions since 1987 and brings together around 70 producers. Through the large windows, you can observe the cheesemaking process (weekday mornings). A self-guided tour with information panels and videos invites you to discover the products and the expertise behind the cheese.
