Are you a passionate about local products like cheese? You must visit the caves of Roquefort, in the Aveyron!
A true French gourmet heritage institution, Roquefort is the pride of the Aveyronnais. Roquefort is the first cheese to have benefited from the Appellation d’Origine Protégé (AOP). Over the years, the product remains one of the most consumed by the French. And not that! Since cheese is also exported internationally. You understood that, so we are talking about a star. And that is why Wanderlix offers you to visit the caves of Roquefort, in the eponymous city!
History of Roquefort
Roquefort is a "blue" cheese. That is to say, in cheese, mold and lactic ferments are incorporated. These will allow the milk to ferment. In the case of Roquefort, it is penicillum , a bacteria to give Roquefort, the inimitable taste. In addition, Roquefort is made of sheep's milk. A widely spread animal in Aveyron.
There are seven Roquefort manufacturers:
- Company ;
- Papillon ;
- Gabriel Coulet ;
- Openings ;
- The Old Shepherd (House Combes) ;
- Carles ;
- Cheese Occitanes La Pastourelle ;
All have their own cellars in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. In addition, Société, Papillon and Gabriel Coulet offer to visit their cellars.
Our tips to visit the caves of Roquefort
To visit the caves of Roquefort in the best conditions, here are some tips:
Take the day
If you decide to visit the caves of Roquefort, it is very likely that you do not stay in the commune. So no matter how far you're going to travel, plan the day. Indeed, between the journey, the lunch break and the visits, it will take some time. It is therefore wise to book.
Take a long sleeve garment
Even summer? Yes! You're going to visit caves, so the temperature will drop sharply (10°C). Thus, covering his arms and shoulders is necessary in order not to be cold. This advice is all the more important if you decide to visit several cellars. You will experience several temperature shocks. Without being covered, you might get sick.
Visit the Cascade des Baumes
Are you going to visit only one of the caves in Roquefort? Better, you had time to visit everything and there's a little time left? Here's a little bonus tour! Just 20 minutes from Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, the magnificent Baumes waterfall is hidden. A beautiful place, which will give you the impression of leaving thousands of kilometers. Since you're in the vicinity, it would be a shame not to discover this little corner of paradise.
What to do during your visit to the Caves of Roquefort?
Visit different cellars
As we have said before, it is possible to visit three caves in Roquefort: Society, Papillon and Gabriel Coulet. In addition, the three manufacturers are the best known to the general public. Knowing that a visit takes no more than an hour, it is quite possible to visit the three cellars. This will allow you to discover several caves and a slightly different method of development.
Taste and compare
Visiting is good. But eating is better! This is a concrete argument to visit the three caves of Roquefort. At the end of each visit, tastings and shops await you. The opportunity is perfect to taste the different Roqueforts and compare taste differences. For yes, even if the Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée and Appellations d’Origine Protégé guarantee a traditional elaboration, it does not prevent the different brands from having a different cheese!
Lunch in Fleurines
Did you get hungry? Have a lunch break. For this, head to the restaurant les Fleurines. Nestled in a pretty building, enjoy typical Aveyronnais dishes. In addition, here, Roquefort is declined in every way. This is a beautiful way to enrich the learning of the day.
How much does a ticket cost to the Caves de Roquefort?
To visit the caves of Roquefort Papillon and Gabriel Coulet, the entrance is free . However, for the Company cellars, the entrance is paid . Here are the rates:
- Adults: 7€ ;
- Children 6 years and older, students and job seekers: 4€ ;
- Children under 6 years of age: free.
How to book an online ticket for the Caves de Roquefort?
No, no online reservation is possible. For Papillon and Gabriel Coulet, admissions are free. For Company cellars, only group reservations are possible. In this case, contact the company by e-mail or call 05 65 58 54 38.
Are there guided tours of the Caves de Roquefort?
Yes, the Caves of Roquefort Company and Papillon are all guided. For the visit of the Company cellars, the presence of the guide is included in the classic ticket. This is an excellent thing, since the guides will allow you to know the history of Roquefort, manufacturers and the manufacturing method.
Are there combined visits with other monuments of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon?
No, no combined visits are planned with the Caves de Roquefort.
Opening hours
Company
You can visit the Caves of Roquefort Society all year round:
- Dude 6 April to 2 August : de 10-12 hours then 13:30 to 17:00;
- Between 3 August and 23 August : de 10h to 17h30 ;
- Dude 24 August to 27 September : de 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. then 13:30 at 5 p.m.;
- Dude 28 September to 6 April : de 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. then 13:30 4:30.
Papillon
The caves of Roquefort Papillon open their doors daily from 10:00 to 6:00. Attention: the last visit departure takes place 4.30 p.m. .
Gabriel Coulet
Gabriel Coulet's cellars are open:
- De January to March : de 9:30 to 12:30 then 13:30 to 17:30 ;
- ♪ April, May, June and September : de 9:30 to 6:30 ;
- Come on. July and August : de 9h to 7h30 .
- And finallyOctober to December : de 9:30 to 12:30 then of 13:30 to 17:30.
How do I access Roquefort-sur-Soulzon?
To get to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, you will necessarily have to pass through the road . If you come from outside of Occitania, the simplest is to take a train or a plane for Montpellier . If you ever take the plane, looking for a flight at a good price perhaps perilous. To make it easier, use a comparison of flights like Skyscanner .
For the bus , it is also possible to stop Millau , which is much closer.
Once in the area, there are two choices:
- From Millau: take it D992 then it D23 ;
- From Montpellier: borrow theA75 direction Millau and get out to the exit 47. Finish the course on the D999 then it D23.
Where to park near the Caves de Roquefort?
The Caves of Roquefort Company own their own parking. This is the best way to park for your visits. Then you can easily walk for the rest of the visits. However, motorhomes cannot park there. In this case, other parking facilities are available, especially near the Gare.
Where to stay near the Caves de Roquefort?
Several solutions exist to accommodate not far from the Caves de Roquefort. It is also possible to stay to Roquefort-sur-Soulzon , directly. However, it is hard to bet that you did not come to Occitania only for the cellars. So everything will depend on the area you will visit.
Millau has hotels, holiday homes and apartments Airbnb . The city is therefore ideal for visiting the entire Aveyron. Rodez is also a good solution in Aveyron.
So, what are you waiting to leave?
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