Heirs to the summer transhumance of cattle to the high pastures, the farm inns of the Munster valley serve country cooking made with produce from the farm, often on a terrace overlooking the mountain pastures.
A pastoral tradition a thousand years old
Dairy farming life has set the rhythm of the year for more than a thousand years: wintering in the valley from 29 September to 25 May, then summer grazing in the mountains from 25 May to 29 September. The word “marcaire” comes from the Alsatian “malker”, meaning to milk.
The marcaire meal, country cooking
Meat pie, roïgabrageldi (potatoes slow-cooked with onions), smoked meat, fromage blanc and of course farmhouse Munster make up the traditional marcaire meal, often followed by a blueberry tart for dessert.
Around ten addresses in the valley
The Munster Valley Tourist Office lists around ten certified farm inns, reachable by car or at the end of a hike on the surrounding ridges.
A local breed, the Vosgienne
These farmers, historically Munster producers, diversified into farm inns while keeping the Vosgienne breed, a hardy cow suited to mountain pastures and present in the region since the 17th century.
A family day out on the ridges
Many farm inns welcome visitors for a milking or cheese-making demonstration, a fun activity to combine with a hike in the Munster valley.
Practical information
To find farm inns open according to the season, see the Munster Valley Tourist Office directory.
Make the most of your stay to explore the Munster valley
From Camping Les Amis de la Nature in Luttenbach-près-Munster, setting out to discover the finest sites in the region is easy. Hikes, panoramic views, typical villages, Alsatian heritage or nature trips: our campsite is the ideal starting point for an authentic stay in the heart of the Alsatian Vosges.
Plan your stay at Camping Les Amis de la Nature and discover all the things to do around Munster.
