At the heart of TignesIn the middle of the shops that make up the life of the resort, a shop window catches the eye of gourmets. Behind the counter of La Fromagerie du LacHere, wheels of Beaufort cheese sit alongside fragrant tommes, local sausages and fine charcuterie. Here, 90 % of products come directly from Savoie.
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The adventure began fifteen years ago, when La Fromagerie du Lac moved to Le Palafour. Two years earlier, the family had chosen to leave their native Portugal to come and live in Tignes.
"We already worked in a hotel in the resort, the Hôtel de la Vanoise, for fifteen years. says Luis Carneiro Almeida. But when their son, Armando Almeida, told them he was preparing to take over a business, the choice was quickly made. In 2023, they stopped everything to come and help him.
"We've always wanted to keep the authenticity of local products". Luis points out. The cheeses come from cooperatives in Savoie, mainly in the Maurienne valleywith a strong emphasis on Beaufort. "80 % of our offer he explains.
The kingdom of Beaufort and raclette evenings
Inside, the smell of cheese mingles with that of traditional charcuterie. You'll find sausages, hams and local specialities by the slice.
In winter, the cheese dairy is alive with raclettes and fondues. The equipment is loaned free of charge, the bread is already cut, and the potatoes are delivered cooked and ready to serve. "People just have to sit down and eat". smiles Guida De Souza Carneiro.
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Raclette is a popular choice even in summer. "Holidaymakers love the taste of the mountains, even when the weather is fine". confides Luis. Cheese by the slice remains the most popular product, with customers taking a bit of Savoie home with them.
A family affair with a Portuguese accent
If the brand is now a landmark for locals and tourists alike, it's also because it has a family history.
"We left our lives in Portugal to come and work here in Tignes, and now with our son". says Guida. The business is run by three people, each adding their own touch, with the same objective: to offer the best of local flavours and maintain a direct link with the producers.
Over the years, La Fromagerie du Lac has become more than just a shop, it's an address where you can say hello, have a chat and take the time to choose your piece of Beaufort.
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