April 25, 2025
Welcome to Thônes Cœur des Vallées! Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and authentic villages, our region is a must-see gourmet destination. Here, culinary traditions are passed down with passion. Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey discovering our local specialties. We'll tell you everything, and most importantly, where to taste them!
Cheese stars: Reblochon Fermier and Chevrotin AOP
It's impossible to talk about Thônes without mentioning Reblochon Fermier AOP. Born in the Aravis mountains, this raw cow's milk cheese, with its creamy texture and subtle hazelnut flavor, is the emblem of our gastronomy. Its cousin, Chevrotin AOP, is an equally delicate goat's cheese, recognizable by its thin white rind and soft texture.
Where to find/taste them?
- Directly from the farm: Many producers open their doors for direct sales. This is the ideal opportunity to interact with farmers and taste an ultra-fresh product (Lorette Farm, Gaec Vent des Cimes)
- At the local markets: the Thônes market (Saturday morning) is a must for finding farm-made Reblochons and Chevrotins, as well as other local products.
- In cooperatives and specialized creameries: The Reblochon Farmer Cooperative of Thônes and other points of sale in the city center (Perrissin-Fabert Creamery, The White Mouse, Lorette Farm) offer a wide selection.
- At the restaurant: on a cheese platter or enhanced in local recipes.
At the restaurant: Reblochonnade and potato fritters
Reblochonnade is the local, hearty version of raclette. Here, half a Reblochon is gently melted in a fondue pot and enjoyed drizzled over potatoes, accompanied by Savoie charcuterie and a green salad. A pure moment of sharing! Potato fritters are a simple and traditional recipe: grated potatoes mixed with eggs and flour, then fried until golden and crispy. A comforting treat!
Where to find/taste them?
- Restaurants and inns: many establishments in Thônes (The Little Chalet) and in the surrounding villages offer Reblochonnade (often by reservation in summer) and sometimes potato fritters, especially those which highlight traditional Savoyard cuisine (Plan Bois Inn, Aulp de Marlens, The Fontanettes, The Freu Alp...).
Little sweet treats: rissoles
These small turnovers, most often filled with cooked pears or quince, are a typical Savoyard delicacy, particularly appreciated during the winter holidays, but often found year-round. Baked to a golden brown or fried, they can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Where to find/taste them?
- Bakeries and Pastry Shops: Local bakeries regularly offer them. This is the safest place to find them. Ex: At the Delights of O Thônes.
- Thônes Market (Saturday): some producer or caterer stands offer them.
- Sometimes as dessert at the restaurant.
The essential sweet and savory: Farcement
Farcement is an iconic, somewhat mysterious dish that blends sweet and savory. It's a cake made with grated potatoes, bacon, prunes, raisins, and sometimes other dried fruits or spices. It's slowly steamed in a special fluted mold, the "barakin" or "rabolire."
Where to find it / taste it?
- Traditional restaurants: This dish requires a long preparation time, so it's less common on menus. Some restaurants specializing in Savoyard cuisine offer it, sometimes by special order or on certain days only.
- Local caterers: some may offer it to order.
- Ask the locals: it's often a family dish, and they might have some confidential addresses!
The Aravis aperitif: the Biscantin
Less well-known but equally local, Biscantin is a cider made in the Aravis mountains. Each recipe may vary slightly, keeping a certain amount of secrecy.
Where to find it / taste it?
- Regional product stores / Delicatessens: some specialist outlets or those in the surrounding area may offer them (The Reblochon Farmer Cooperative in Thônes, Perrissin-Fabert Creamery).
- House of Apple and Biscantin
Your stay in Thônes Cœur des Vallées wouldn't be complete without sampling these culinary treasures! Whether you're a fan of cheese, hearty dishes, or traditional sweets, our specialties will delight your taste buds. Don't hesitate to visit the farms, stroll through the market, and dine in our restaurants to discover the authenticity and generosity of the Thônes Cœur des Vallées region's gastronomy.
Find more information and gourmet addresses in the " At the Table" section of our website or by visiting us at the Tourist Office!
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