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THE MOUNTAIN PASTURE SCHOOL OF SERAUSSAIX
At this 1st mountain pasture school in France, pupils studying mountain agriculture are learning the shepherd’s job. That means learning milk processing, herding, and selling farm products.
Since 2008, Morzine has been renting Seraussaix’s mountain pasture to the Contamine-sur-Arve vocational and agricultural college from June to October.
On this pasture, there are about 40 dairy cows and 100 heifers. Every day the cheesemaker transforms milk into “Abondance” and “Tomme d’alpage”. He also sells farm products and organizes twice-weekly visits and a farm products tasting session.
By pasturing there, heifers and cows are helping avoid the countryside’s closure. This is essential to maintain mountain pastures, open areas for tourism, and production of quality dairy products and mountain agriculture.
On Seraussaix’s mountain pasture, in addition to cows, there are also calves and horses.
This project was born out of a partnership between the College, the Alpine Economy Society 74 and the Pastoral Land Association of Manche Valley.
Since 2008, Morzine has been renting Seraussaix’s mountain pasture to the Contamine-sur-Arve vocational and agricultural college from June to October.
On this pasture, there are about 40 dairy cows and 100 heifers. Every day the cheesemaker transforms milk into “Abondance” and “Tomme d’alpage”. He also sells farm products and organizes twice-weekly visits and a farm products tasting session.
By pasturing there, heifers and cows are helping avoid the countryside’s closure. This is essential to maintain mountain pastures, open areas for tourism, and production of quality dairy products and mountain agriculture.
On Seraussaix’s mountain pasture, in addition to cows, there are also calves and horses.
This project was born out of a partnership between the College, the Alpine Economy Society 74 and the Pastoral Land Association of Manche Valley.
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL
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A nature trail was set up in early June on the grounds of the pasture. This trail is the result of an educational project carried out by a professional class "Nature, Garden, Landscape, Forest" of the agricultural college.The concept: to make the visitor a player by immersing them in the spirit of the place. The idea is not to tell them everything, but to encourage them to reflect personally on the issues raised.
The themes were chosen in consultation with stakeholders in the pasture (farmer, shepherd, technician of the National Forestry Office, geologist, engineer of the Société d’Economie Alpestre 74, architect, historian, etc.) in order to discover the specific nature of this territory.The following themes were identified:AgropastoralismThe local geology and ArdoisièresThe creation of AvoriazThe adaptation of animals and plants in the mountainsThe roles of mountain forestsUse of the trail:The booklet guide will be available in the mountain chalet and the Tourist Office of Avoriaz.
The themes were chosen in consultation with stakeholders in the pasture (farmer, shepherd, technician of the National Forestry Office, geologist, engineer of the Société d’Economie Alpestre 74, architect, historian, etc.) in order to discover the specific nature of this territory.The following themes were identified:AgropastoralismThe local geology and ArdoisièresThe creation of AvoriazThe adaptation of animals and plants in the mountainsThe roles of mountain forestsUse of the trail:The booklet guide will be available in the mountain chalet and the Tourist Office of Avoriaz.
SERAUSSAIX THEME DAYS
- Shepherd's day: the main object of this theme day is to discover the different activities of the shepherd, the different animals which are part of this mountain pasture, and to understand all phenomena impacting on life in the mountain pasture.
- Tomme Blanche's transformation demonstration: workshop in which everyone is involved in cheese making. At the end of this session, you will taste your cheese.
- Pastures day: you will learn about cattle and their care.
- Abondance cheese: Cheese makers explain what we need to know about this AOC cheese: from its specifications to its making. This activity will end with a tasting.
- Hiking day: Departure from the centre of Avoriaz, through the "Mines d'Or" trail (to discover the old slate mines), then arrival at the mountain pasture to attend the milk conversion, a farm visit and have a snack. The day will end with a walk through the interpretive trail.
- Grazing Management: this session provides an understanding of all the changes in pasture: grass growth, amount of grass available, specific interest area, use by other mountain pasture users…
- Tomme Blanche's transformation demonstration: workshop in which everyone is involved in cheese making. At the end of this session, you will taste your cheese.
- Pastures day: you will learn about cattle and their care.
- Abondance cheese: Cheese makers explain what we need to know about this AOC cheese: from its specifications to its making. This activity will end with a tasting.
- Hiking day: Departure from the centre of Avoriaz, through the "Mines d'Or" trail (to discover the old slate mines), then arrival at the mountain pasture to attend the milk conversion, a farm visit and have a snack. The day will end with a walk through the interpretive trail.
- Grazing Management: this session provides an understanding of all the changes in pasture: grass growth, amount of grass available, specific interest area, use by other mountain pasture users…
SNACK AT THE FARM!
Every Tuesday, from July 9 to August 22, you can enjoy a snack at the farm! (from
3.30 to 5 pm)
On Wednesdays, you have to make an appointment to have a snack at the farm (from 3.30 to 5 pm).After snacking, you can stay longer to see the cows being milked!
On Wednesdays, you have to make an appointment to have a snack at the farm (from 3.30 to 5 pm).After snacking, you can stay longer to see the cows being milked!
Please call + 33 6 83 05 48 33