Fête du Vacherin Mont-d'Or

The history of Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) is closely linked with that of the village Les Charbonnières in the Vallée de Joux which proudly celebrates this typical cheese every September with the Fête du Vacherin Mont-d’Or.

More than 6,000 people come to this local festival where they can enjoy the Désalpe (celebrating the return of the cows from the pastures to the plains), a local produce market, traditional entertainment and, above all, a chance to taste the first vacherin of the season.

Vacherin Mont-d'Or was awarded the AOP protected designation of origin in 2003. It is a soft cheese produced seasonally. It is always presented in its spruce box, which gives it a woody aroma. From September to April, gourmets like to eat it raw or baked.

Programme for the 2025 edition:

From 9am, the village comes alive

- Local produce market with over 60 producers and artisans
- Folklore and musical entertainment: alphorns, traditional groups, and songs from Echo du Joran
- Tug-of-war tournament organized by the youth
- Descent of the herds (from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.): cows, sheep, horses, geese...

All in a friendly and festive atmosphere that attracts more than 6,000 visitors each year.

Guest of honor: AOP walnut oil represented by the Moulin de Sévery

This edition also pays tribute to the Moulin de Sévery, one of the last artisanal mills still in operation in Switzerland. For nearly eight centuries, the Bovey family has been perpetuating the art of producing exceptional oils.

Highlights of the day

- 9:00 a.m.: Opening of the market and entertainment
- 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Descent of the herds
- 11:30 a.m.: Tug-of-war tournament
- 12:00 p.m.: Official ceremony with National Councilor Daniel Ruch in attendance
- 5:00 p.m.: Concert by L'Echo du Joran at the Temple des Charbonnières