Published on August 22, 2025. Reading time: 3 minutes.
Beaufort cheese, a true treasure of our region, embodies the authenticity, expertise, and tradition deeply rooted in the mountains. If you're looking for a cultural, sensory, and gustatory experience, a visit to the Beaufortain Dairy Cooperative is an activity not to be missed.
1. Understand the entire manufacturing process with the tour
The tour, free and open all year round (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.), covers 400 m² of exhibition space on the second floor of the cooperative.
From field to plate, you can discover all the stages of transforming raw milk into an exceptional cheese . All this through an original sensory approach, with scent boxes, models, videos, stories to listen to…
It is also possible to attend the screening of the film "Le Beaufort en héritage" , which tells, over the seasons, the daily life of an authentic and endearing family, producers of Beaufort cheese.
2. Witness the production of Beaufort cheese live
Every morning, from 9 a.m. to noon, you have the opportunity to watch the cheesemakers at work. The production rooms are glass-walled, allowing you to observe the processes, from heating the milk to molding, with complete transparency. This moment of observation adds an authentic dimension to your visit, revealing the expertise and passion behind the making of each cheese wheel.
3. Explore the cellars, where thousands of millstones rest patiently
By reservation, the tour continues in the aging cellars — undoubtedly the most captivating part. Thousands of wheels of cheese are stored there, regulated by humidity and temperature, to develop unique aromas, textures and character.
These cellars, the oldest of which dates back to the 60s, are impressive for their layout and the atmosphere they exude. Whatever the season, it is always cool (8°C) and very humid (90%), an ideal climate for cheese.
In July and August, you can opt for a tour of the cellars in the dark . A unique sensory experience where, immersed in total darkness, your eyes will gradually adapt to the darkness, while your sense of smell will be refined to detect the subtle aromas of the matured cheeses.
In addition, the tasting option allows you to savor the subtle differences between summer and winter Beaufort, over different aging periods. This service is available for groups of 10 people or more.
Find the available services here: https://visite.cooperative-de-beaufort.com
4. Discover lots of good local products in the sales area
At the end of the visit, the sales area welcomes you with a selection of Savoyard products . Of course, Beaufort cheese — made on site — is featured, but you will also find delicious local products such as grataron , a raw milk goat cheese made in Arêches, sausage and typical Savoyard drinks (wines, juices, etc.).
Has this article made you want to discover all the secrets of Beaufort?
Visit the Beaufort Co-op at 234 Av. du Capitaine Bulle, 73270 Beaufort.
Open all year round from Monday to Sunday.
