The mountains win you over. This village understands this and, over the years, has forged a reputation as a little paradise on earth. Nestled in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, it ranks among the most beautiful mountain villages, just like nearby Yvoire. Its cheese, meanwhile, is found on some of the world’s finest tables, contributing to its reputation – and that of France – as the place to bewhen it comes to serious… cheese.
Abondance, Alpine authenticity in all its splendor
Before entering the hit parade of the world’s best cheeses, let’s remember that Abondance is an alpine village in the Haute-Savoie region of France. With its ” Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label, this small commune is not lacking in interest and ticks a number of boxes for a perfect weekend away from Lyon. First and foremost, Abondance is characterized by the predominance of its mountain pastures: of its 55 km² surface area, only 1.6% is urbanized… Here, to our great delight, it’s the cows that take center stage.
But Abondance isn’t just a Garden of Eden for Marguerite ; it’s also a village full of character. As with Baume-les-Messieurs in the Jura, the village is distinguished by its thousand-year-old abbey, one of the finest in the region. Its church is also a jewel of local architecture, recognizable by its emblematic bulbous bell tower.
Add to this an ideal location for summer hiking, 5-star skiing in winter (Les Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest ski areas), and proximity to Lake Geneva… and you’ll never want to leave.
Abondance: the cheese that lives up to its name
If there were a contest for France’s favorite cheese, like the one organized for monuments, Abondance would certainly be on the podium.Protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Abondance is still produced in the traditional way. Although Abondance is much less widely produced than its neighbor, Reblochon (3,500 tonnes versus 16,000), it is nonetheless highly acclaimed and retains its exceptional character, a guarantee of superior quality.
In summer, it’s best enjoyed with a good piece of bread; in winter, it’s a must in a fondue (with Beaufort and real Gruyère). So, whether it’s on your plate or for a weekend away, in Abondance we trust!