Between walkabouts and tasting sessions, savour every moment of your stay in the Annecy Mountains.
© Gilles Lansard /
© OTThones CDV
Look out for products with the Saveurs des Aravis seal of approval. This brand results from the work of a professional network of farmers, producers, restaurant owners, retailers and artisans… all united in the desire to showcase their local produce from the Aravis mountains. You’ll enjoy foods that are healthy, natural and eco-friendly too! You’ll of course find the region’s iconic products such as Reblochon, Chevrotin (cheeses) and Biscantin (cider) but also lots of other locally produced items like liqueurs from the Distillerie des Aravis, honey and other products from the hive, the famous bescoin pastries made by the traditional bakeries of Le Grand-Bornand, and much more….
© OTSLA_Remi Portier
© OTSLA_Tilby Vattard
This new brand covers products from the immediate local region. Dairy produce of course, like yoghurt and the famous Délice cheese, a cousin of Reblochon, or the fine, delicate-tasting ash-coated goat’s cheese. But you’ll also sample craft beers, quince jelly made by the locals, goat rillettes and herbal teas, also made locally. Follow the ‘boucle des savoir-faire’ loop itinerary for a chance to meet the artisans. A whole medley of flavours that will send your tastebuds reeling!
Take advantage of a farm visit, at Ferme du Suet in Saint-Jean-de Sixt, Ferme de Lorette in Thônes or Chèvrerie des Confins in La Clusaz, to purchase some cheese. Alternatively, you can stock up directly by visiting the many producers like Ferme de l’Étale in Manigod or the Reblochon Cooperative in Thônes. Finish with a tour of the Paccard ripening cellars to find out all you ever wanted to know about cheese making! And because milk is also used to make ice cream, pop into Lait’able des Frangins to taste a delicious ice cream made by Élisabeth and Grégoire.
Feeling thirsty? A number of craft breweries sell their local beers, including Brasseurs Savoyards in Annecy, Brasserie VDL and L’Aravissante at the foot of the Aravis mountains, as well as Alchimie Brewery of Les Sources du lac d’Annecy. You can also try the local liqueurs and traditional spirits such as Génépi, Gentiane or Sapinette, produced at the Distillerie des Aravis or the famous Verveine and other herbal beverages from Maison Granier. These outstanding beverages are, of course, to be consumed responsibly, as alcohol can damage your health. On another note, Laetitia from Cimes et Racines welcomes you to her wildflower garden to try her traditional herbal teas. Whether you drink them in spirits or herbal teas, the local plants unleash all their aromas!
Several markets are held every day of the week at various places in the Annecy Mountains. But if you can’t fit them into your plans, you’ll also find these regional products at various other outlets. Try Aux Comptoirs des Alpes in Le Grand-Bornand, where you’ll find the very best produce that the Alps have to offer. La F’nire in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Saveurs et Terroir in Manigod also have a wide range of charcuterie, wine, cheese, chocolate, jam and much more… all produced in the local region. And still more local producers are waiting to be visited as you explore!
