mountain pasture farm The Vallée des Belleville
An alpine farm is a home for our animals, a place where cheese is made, and a place where you can watch the goats and cows being milked, taste the cheeses from the dairy, and admire the rabbits, kids, chickens, calves, and pigs.
Pépé Nicolas was a farmer from the Belleville Valley who took his goats and cows up to the Chasse mountain pastures in the summer. The Suchet great-grandchildren passionately carry on the mountain farming tradition, with Valentin Suchet serving as the farm manager.
The desire to share the authenticity of farming life in the heart of the summer mountains and the production of high-quality cheese products has remained unchanged over the generations.
We’re continuing the work of our great-grandfather, a mountain farmer. This tradition is part of our desire to work in an ultra-short circuit, with our restaurant and our shop, to the delight of our visitors.
An accessible place all day long
The farm is open to the public all summer long. However, the Chez Pépé Nicolas team reserves the right to temporarily limit access to the site depending on the number of visitors, in order to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. We also count on everyone to act with respect and good manners; in the event of inappropriate or disruptive behavior, the team may ask the individuals involved to leave the premises.
To ensure the well-being of our animals, the manual milking of the goats, which takes place between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in front of the dairy, is reserved for customers or by reservation.
Animals can be seen every day on the farm, including pigs, rabbits, trout, calves, kids, as well as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Each has its own space near the alpine chalet.
The goats go out to graze twice a day. You can see them in their pen from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as from 6:30 p.m. until the next day. They can also be seen every day during the hand-milking session, which takes place in front of the dairy, next to the restaurant.
The cows graze within a 2 km radius of the chalet. Depending on the season, they are located at varying distances from the alpine hut.
Farm animals can be viewed free of charge during the summer season. Some activities, including the guided milking demonstration, require a reservation. For reasons of hygiene and animal welfare, visitors may observe the milking process but are not permitted to touch the animals.
A high-altitude farm with goats, geese, chickens, pigs, rabbits and cows.
Summer guided tours of the mountain pasture farm
Guided tours of alpine life are available in July and August, led by trained guides, including Lucie and Valentin, the great-grandchildren of Pépé Nicolas. Feel free to inquire about tours for adult and children’s groups.
An exceptional panorama to delight children and adults alike.
welfare animal
At Pépé Nicolas, the well-being of our animals is essential. Our work is based on respecting the five fundamental needs of our animals, namely:
- No pain, injury or illness
- No climatic or physical stress
- Absence of hunger, thirst or malnutrition
- Absence of fear and distress
- Ability to express normal behaviour specific to each species
The whole team is committed: care, food, rest and lots of shared love!
For a quick reminder of the rules of good living together during your visit to Chez Pépé Nicolas farm, we’ve put together a fun and friendly charter.
Farm animals barnyard, goats and calves
Goats and Kid Goats
At the mountain pasture farm, the goats enjoy the full attention of our experienced shepherds.
Their varied diet, unlimited access to pure water and secure shelter underline our commitment to their health and comfort. The treatments are gentle, using natural remedies. Our goats roam freely in an environment that encourages their natural development.
Cows
Our cows enjoy a space of fresh grass just for them, as well as unlimited specific feed and water. We respect their natural needs and provide attentive care, favouring natural treatments wherever possible.
Calves
Our young calves are sheltered in a shaded, straw-covered area that protects them from the vagaries of the weather. They can discover socialisation, both with their peers and with humans.
Pigs
In a carefully designed environment, our pigs enjoy freedom in harmony with health standards.
They have comfortable shelter and unlimited access to water from our spring to quench their thirst. A muddy pond gives them a chance to clean up and play their favourite games.
Poultry
Our poultry have access to a pond, as well as dedicated cages for injured animals, in compliance with health standards. Each evening, gallinaceans and palmipeds have separate straw-bedded areas. We provide a secure environment, safe from predators, with separate egg-laying areas and shaded areas. We guarantee a balanced diet, without overfeeding, for the optimum well-being of our poultry.
Rabits
On our estate, the rabbits enjoy the peace and quiet of a secure area. To ward off any nocturnal threats, they are snuggled up in a refuge from predators.
They eat the leaves and stems of vegetables that humans don’t eat. This also helps promote zero waste, in addition to composting!
Psychological comfort is just as important. The rabbits have plenty of places to hide and retreat as they please, so they can relax in peace.
Finally, hygiene is a must. The cages are kept impeccable, preserving the animals’ natural smell and ensuring a healthy environment that respects their well-being.
Our team is constantly vigilant, present on the mountain pastures day and night.
From dawn, at four o’clock in the morning, we share special moments with our alpine companions.
Animals never cease to amaze us with their shrewdness, their daily routines, their playful and mischievous nature, their prodigious memory, and many other remarkable qualities. We therefore solemnly undertake to honour them and ensure that they flourish to the full in our mountain pastures.
