Agriculture and Beaufort PDO
Grazing on the ski slopes
Mountain farming requires special know-how. Maintaining meadows and mountain pastures, milking cows at altitude, making cheese... Agriculture is still very much alive at Bonneval sur Arc.
By grazing the meadows all summer long, cows and ewes feast on the herbs and flowers that not only give their cheeses all their flavor, but also contribute to the quality of the... ski slopes! In winter, part of the pastures become ski slopes.
Alpine grazing allows vegetation to regenerate year after year. The quality of the grass means that the snow "holds" better in winter, making it easier to prepare the slopes.
All year round, meet the farmers and herds in the mountain pastures, and taste the quality products made by passionate mountain people.
Sheep and patoos in the mountain pastures
During your hikes, you'll also regularly see sheep enjoying the mountain grass. Keep your distance, however, as the flocks are guarded not only by shepherds but also by patous dogs, who may perceive you as a threat if you get too close or cross the herd.
Le Beaufort
also known as the "Prince of Gruyères", is made from whole, raw milk. Since 1968, it has benefited from the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée label, which imposes strict specifications including regular checks on milk producers and a minimum 5-month maturing period.
It comes in the form of a wheel weighing around 40 kg, 11 to 16 cm high and 35 to 75 cm in diameter, with a concave heel. The cheese is smooth, ivory to yellow in color, with a firm mouthfeel before melting in the mouth.
10,000 wheels of Beaufort cheese are produced each year by the Haute Maurienne Vanoise Cooperative. Each is made on site at Val Cenis-Lanslebourg from the 5 million liters of milk collected annually from Modane to Bonneval sur Arc. Beaufort d'alpage, Beaufort d'été and Beaufort d'hiver will delight the taste buds of even the most discerning gourmets!
Visit to the Haute Maurienne Vanoise dairy cooperative
Throughout Haute Maurienne Vanoise, several mountain pasture farms welcome you. Cheese-makers, alpacists and farmers will help you discover their hard but beautiful life and their products. They'll tell you all about their work, milking, haymaking, calving, patous, wolves...
You can also visit the Haute Maurienne Vanoise dairy cooperative in Val Cenis-Lanslebourg all year round. Morning visit by prior arrangement, with an introduction to Beaufort cheese-making, a tour of the maturing cellars and a tasting session. Free visit in the afternoon.
> The official website of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise dairy cooperative