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Just 2 hours from Lyon, this one-of-a-kind place entirely dedicated to cheese is home to 140,000 wheels of cheese!

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The Editor

Imagine an enormous military fort transformed into a cheese cathedral, where 140,000 wheels of Comté cheese are aging in underground galleries. Nestled in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, the Fort des Rousses is an absolutely unique site in the world. And the good news is that it can be discovered just two hours from Lyon, perfect for an unusual and delicious getaway!

The Fort of Rousses, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Jura

There are places that seem straight out of an adventure novel. The Fort of Rousses is undoubtedly one of them. Nestled in the Jura mountains, within the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, this impressive military structure has now become the most spectacular temple dedicated to the Comté.

Stepping into its endless vaulted galleries, the decor changes dramatically. Here, there are no soldiers or cannons, but endless rows of carefully aligned cheese wheels stretching as far as the eye can see. With nearly 140,000 Comté wheels in maturation, this site simply houses one of the largest cheese aging cellars in the world. A sight that impresses as much as it instantly makes your mouth water.

When an old military fort becomes the Comté paradise

If this gigantic fort hosts so much cheese today, it's no coincidence. Built from the early 19th century under Napoleon to defend this strategic area near the Alps, the Fort des Rousses spans nearly 21 hectares, making it the second-largest fort in France.

After completing various military missions until the end of the 20th century, it experienced a totally unexpected second life. Its thick stone walls, a naturally stable temperature around 8°C all year round, and a constant humidity level provide ideal conditions for the Comté to develop all its aromatic qualities. A true XXL natural cellar that affineurs are now exploiting to perfection.

A visit as spectacular as it is appetizing

The Fort des Rousses doesn't just preserve this gastronomic treasure: it also opens its doors to visitors. Throughout the tour, you can discover the secrets of Comté production, the different stages of its aging, and the know-how of the master affineurs who take daily care of these thousands of cheese wheels.

The walk is as impressive for the size of the place as it is for the characteristic scent that wafts through the galleries. It's easy to see why this cheese, a true symbol of French gastronomy, requires so much patience before making it to our tables. Just two hours from Lyon, this quirky visit checks all the boxes for a perfect summer getaway: exceptional historical heritage, remarkable natural surroundings, and an immersion into the world of the favorite cheese of many French people.

 

Address: The Fort of Rousses, 39220 Les Rousses