At Pépé Nicolas, our love for the mountains and nature goes far beyond simple gastronomy. As an establishment rooted in the Alps, we are committed to preserving our environment and promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental commitment is a core value for our entire team, and we work every day to make our establishment a model of sustainability: eco-friendly cuisine, animal welfare, a permaculture garden, sustainable practices, and active awareness-raising among our visitors.
At Chez Pépé Nicolas, every gesture counts.
Every choice is a promise to ensure that our environment is a legacy to be protected.
Eco-friendly cuisine
Use of local ingredients
We believe that the quality of our cuisine begins with the choice of ingredients. At Pépé Nicolas, we favor local and seasonal products. Our vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers come from our permaculture garden in front of the restaurant at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Our cheeses and dairy products are made in our cheese dairy by our cheesemaker Judicaël. Our trout are raised in our fish pond at the foot of the restaurant. We also reduce our carbon footprint by working with local producers, while supporting the local economy. Whether it’s our cheese, vegetables, pasta, ice cream, fish, or meat, every dish is prepared with carefully selected ingredients.
Learn more about our eco-friendly restaurant
Waste reduction
We have also implemented practices to reduce the waste generated by our activities in both summer and winter. This includes composting our organic waste in summer, recycling organic waste through TRI Vallées in winter, and minimizing the use of single-use plastics. We also collect used oil each season.
By raising awareness among our team and customers about the importance of recycling, we hope to create a collective consciousness around protecting our environment.
A chalet in harmony with nature
Water management
Water is a precious resource, and we are aware of its importance in our daily operations. Our drinking water comes from a natural source in the Belleville Valley, close to our site. Our spring water is used every day in all our activities: the restaurant, cheese production, the high-altitude garden, and the alpine farm. We have implemented efficient water management systems to minimize waste. In addition, we use eco-friendly cleaning products to protect the surrounding waterways.
Local produce shop
Our commitment to the environment is also evident in our shop selling local products. Here, we offer a selection of Savoyard delicacies, ranging from artisanal cheeses made by our cheesemaker to homemade jams made by our partners. This initiative aims to showcase the expertise of local producers while raising awareness among our customers about the importance of eating locally. By choosing local products, our visitors not only support the local economy, but also help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Each purchase becomes a way to celebrate and preserve the riches of our region.
Awareness and education
Local partnerships
At Pépé Nicolas, we believe that education is essential to raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. That’s why we regularly welcome schoolchildren from the region for themed guided tours. These initiatives enable us to share our values and promote eco-friendly practices to different audiences.
Guided tours and experiences
Our guided tours also provide a platform to educate our visitors about alpine ecosystems. By exploring our permaculture garden or discovering the mountain pastures, our guests learn about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. Each experience is an opportunity to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of our environment.
Chez Pépé Nicolas’ environmental commitment is much more than just an initiative; it is a philosophy that guides the way we work and live. By integrating sustainable practices into our daily lives, we hope to inspire our customers, partners, and the community to take care of our precious planet. Together, we can help preserve the beauty of the Alps for future generations.
