Chez Pépé Nicolas Our Sustainability Commitments
Chez Pépé Nicolas is a vibrant place where every project tells the same story: one of a commitment to our region, our heritage, and the men and women who bring it to life.
Over the years, we’ve launched numerous initiatives: creating a high-altitude permaculture garden, handcrafting our cheeses on-site, promoting local food systems, offering educational tours, welcoming families, and continuously improving our practices… Together, these efforts help make Chez Pépé Nicolas a committed advocate for sustainable mountain tourism.
Preserving our environment
The mountains are not only our workplace but also part of our heritage. Every day, we are committed to respecting them and preserving their resources by playing an active role in sustainable mountain tourism.
Our Permaculture Garden
Our high-altitude permaculture garden is one of the most tangible examples of our commitment to a more sustainable mountain environment. It allows us to experiment with farming practices that respect the soil, biodiversity, and natural cycles.
Edible flowers, aromatic herbs, fruits, and vegetables are grown here without trying to force nature’s hand, but by working with the unique characteristics of the mountain environment. The harvest is then used in the restaurant’s kitchen, strengthening the connection between our garden and the dishes we serve.
Beyond its agricultural purpose, the garden has become a true educational hub. Through our guided tours, we invite visitors of all ages to discover the principles of permaculture and to gain a better understanding of the richness—but also the fragility—of mountain ecosystems.
Products from our mountain pasture
Every summer, our cows and goats head up to the mountain pastures. Their milk is processed right on site in our dairy. Our cheeses are made using traditional methods, then aged in our cellar before being served in our restaurants or sold in our shop.
This on-site production allows us to make the most of the milk from our herd, preserve traditional mountain craftsmanship, and offer products straight from our farm.
Short supply chains and local producers
As you can see, we prioritize products from our farm, our garden, and our fish pond as much as possible.
We also work with a networkof local artisans and producers to minimize the number of middlemen, support our local economy, and offer you carefully selected seasonal products.
Respect for Animal Welfare
Our animals are an integral part of life on the mountain pasture. We make sure to provide them with an environment suited to their needs and to respect their natural rhythms. In the summer, the animals graze in the pastures, and some live near the farm.
Our educational activities help visitors better understand their daily lives, their diet, and the work of the alpine herders.
Take care of our teams
At Pépé Nicolas, it’s first and foremost a human journey. If our company continues to grow each year, it’s thanks to the women and men who bring it to life every day.
Training and Developing Our Employees
We place a high priority on training and the transfer of expertise.
At the start of each season, our employees go through an onboarding and training program to learn about our roles, our work methods, and the values that drive Chez Pépé Nicolas. Whether they work in the restaurant, the kitchen, the shop, on the farm, or as part of our other activities, everyone receives support as they settle into their new role.
This support continues throughout the season through regular follow-ups. We also encourage knowledge sharing among team members, as we firmly believe that passing on expertise is one of our company’s greatest assets.
Quality of Life at Work
We pay special attention to the onboarding, integration, and working conditions of our employees.
Team organization, active listening, open communication, and striving to strike a balance between the demands of our business and the well-being of each individual are at the heart of our approach.
Offer seasons that are as long as possible
Seasonal employment is essential to the tourism industry in the mountains. By keeping our facility open in both summer and winter and developing activities throughout the year, we aim to offer our seasonal employees work periods that are as long and consistent as possible.
This continuity helps us retain our staff, make the most of their experience, and promote sustainable tourism in the mountains.
Respect for Animal Welfare
Our animals are an integral part of life on the mountain pasture. We make sure to provide them with an environment suited to their needs and to respect their natural rhythms. In the summer, the animals graze in the pastures, and some live near the farm.
Our educational activities help visitors better understand their daily lives, their diet, and the work of alpine herders.
A mountain to experience and discover
Chez Pépé Nicolas is a family-friendly place, built around a history and heritage that we hope to continue passing on.
Bringing the Mountains to Life in Every Season
We are open in both summer and winter to help keep the Belleville Valley bustling all year round.
A restaurant, shop, farm, garden, tours, and events bring the site to life throughout the seasons and offer a different way to explore the mountains.
In this way, we help make Belleville more attractive and contribute to more sustainable tourism.
Raise awareness among visitors
Our guided tours and workshops allow visitors of all ages to discover life on the mountain pasture, the permaculture garden, the farm animals, and the cheese-making process.
We want to share our knowledge in an accessible and engaging way, to help people better understand both the richness and the fragility of our mountain environment.
Passing on Our Family and Mountain Heritage
The story of Chez Pépé Nicolas begins in 1957, when Nicolas Jay—known as “Pépé Nicolas”—purchased the La Chasse hill to use as a summer pasture for his cows.
Since then, several generations have worked to develop the place while preserving its identity, its values, and its connection to the local community.
Today, we continue to keep this story alive by sharing our expertise, our cuisine, our traditions, and our way of life in the mountains.
Educational Experiences for Everyone
We welcome schools and various groups to introduce them to the farm, its animals, and mountain-related trades.
For younger visitors, our tours are led by a member of our team who holds a BAFA certification. This team member tailors the activities to the children’s ages to provide them with a fun, interactive, and enriching experience, while raising their awareness of the challenges of sustainable tourism in the mountains.
These visits provide a hands-on way to explore topics such as mountain agriculture, food, biodiversity, the cycle of the seasons, permaculture, and animal welfare.
Our Awards & Recognitions
Destination of Excellence
The “Destination of Excellence ” label recognizes tourism establishments committed to a program focused on the quality of hospitality and services, environmental responsibility, and accessibility.
Chez Pépé Nicolas is the first restaurant and entertainment venue in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to have received this distinction.
Family Plus
The Famille Plus certification recognizes establishments that offer accommodations and services tailored to families and children.
Our farm, our animals, and our educational activities allow families to explore the mountains in a fun, accessible, and welcoming way.
National Park Spirit
The Chez Pépé Nicolas alpine farm is also listed as an “Esprit Parc National” certified establishment by the Les Menuires Tourist Office.
This label recognizes products, activities, and expertise that contribute to showcasing the heritage of mountain regions.
