Fête du Vacherin Mont-d'Or

At the end of September, the Fête du Vacherin Mont-d’Or marks the season start for this soft cheese typical of the Vallée de Joux.

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 4,000 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.

On the programme:
- 9am to 5pm: Market and folk entertainment
- From 9.30am to 12pm: Herd descent
- 12 noon: Tasting of the first Vacherins Mont-d'Or PDO of the season
- 5pm: Concert by the Juraglöggli Jodleur Club from Orbe at the Temple
- From 5pm: Alpine fondue organised by the Compagnie du Train à Vapeur de la Vallée de Joux
- The event will be attended by State Councillor Valérie Dittli and the President of the PDO-IGP Association\, Benedikt Würth
- Guests of honour: Zug PDO Kirsch (Zuger Chriesi and Etter Kirsch)