the Savoy cheese festival at Semnoz
the Savoy Cheese Festival, which travels through the region, set up its tents for the first time at Semnoz in July 2008, an edition unfortunately disrupted by rain.
Having become an unmissable summer event in the region, with more than 15,000 visitors per year and 1.5 tons of cheese consumed, the Savoy Cheese Festival is the gathering place for all “cheese-eaters”. Placed under the sign of the good, we discover all the backstage of cheese production and all the values associated with them: preserved environment, taste qualities and ancestral know-how.
Demonstrations of herding dogs.
Throughout the weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a multitude of activities will be offered by the Association of traditional cheeses from the Savoy Alps (AFTAlp) in collaboration with the Syndicat de la tome des Bauges, du parc naturel des Bauges , Greater Annecy which manages Semnoz, and the associations and municipalities of Gruffy, Leschaux, Quintal and Viuz-la-Chiesaz, all at the heart of a massif with breathtaking 360° views. The actors of the sectors will be highlighted with zooms on agricultural and cheese know-how, fun and educational workshops, discovery of trades… On the animal side, the three breeds of cows and two breeds of goats will be included. The public will also be able to appreciate the know-how of the shepherds who will present demonstrations of herding dogs.
Fans of the eight Savoie PDO-IGP cheeses, made from raw cow’s milk or goat’s milk, can taste and test some classic and unusual pairings around wine, beer, jam and spices.
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Information: www.fromagesdesavoie.fr
Highlights
➤ Saturday, June 25, 10:45 a.m., demonstration of herding dogs, 11:30 a.m., presentation and parade of cow and goat breeds, 1:30 p.m., production of IGP raclette de Savoie, 4:30 p.m., demonstration of the production of cheeses with the children.
➤ Sunday June 26, 11 a.m., production of Tome des Bauges AOP, 2 p.m. demonstration of recipes based on Savoie cheeses, 3 p.m., participatory production.
And also…
Tasting of 8 AOP-IGP cheeses; gourmet discoveries; discovery of the territory with hikes on the Semnoz; PDO-PGI market and regional products; local artisans and producers market in Bauges; snack bar and restaurant on site.
Winter sports regulars are well aware of the problem of access to Semnoz on busy days and the difficulties of parking.
For this Cheese Festival which should attract thousands of visitors, the organizers will rely on a new system to regulate traffic.
In partnership with Greater Annecy, they will put in place a whole soft mobility plan to minimize the impact of cars and avoid traffic jams.
For this, free shuttles running from Annecy (stops at Cap Périaz; bus station; Les Puisots), Saint-Jorioz (stops at the college, Leschaux) and Alby-sur-Chéran (stops at P + R, Quintal).
In addition to this system, there are summer shuttles from Greater Annecy: Mobil’été.
Paid car parks will display a price to dissuade people from getting into the car.