Champagne, a Swiss wine-growing village

The Post Office

Located in the Canton of Vaud, in Switzerland, the little village of Champagne is well-known for its wine-growing tradition and for its attachment to its name. Nestling under the foothills of the Vaud Jura, Champagne offers a spectacular view over Lake Neuchâtel. Between fields and vineyards, the charming little village is known for its bell-tower and its country houses. The Champagnoux (residents) welcome visitors with warmth and pride. In the 18th century, the famous botanist Pyrame de Candolle was particularly appreciative of the calm and serenity of Champagne. His memory is marked by a Lebanon Cedar tree, whose exceptional height is a source of pride to the inhabitants today.

“Champagne” a much-coveted name

The name of this charming village goes back to the 9th century. Today it is known for the debates it has caused. Since 1998, the wine-growers have been fighting against an agreement between Switzerland and the European Union, which forbids the village from using the name “Champagne” on its wines, because this name is reserved exclusively for the French region of the same name. All the villagers have joined this fight to obtain support from the federal authorities and to defend the long wine-growing tradition of their village. Their solidarity and investment for the defence of this cause are symbols of their strong attachment to their village.

The fine bakery Cornu SA has also received adverse attention from the Interprofessional Committee of Champagne wines, in relation to its products bearing its “From Champagne” logo. To put an end to this conflict, the Cornu family has had to make the decision to create the «Mon Village» logo instead.

The “Mon Village” factory

In Champagne, the “Mon Village” products are made in the oldest Cornu SA factory, located at the entrance to the village. Built in 1985 by Marc-André and Paul-Henri Cornu, with help from their father Paul-André, it can be recognized by its red bricks.

This is where the family company produces Butter Palmiers, Twists, Mini-Twists and Twisties. The Cornu SA head office is also housed there.

Products made in Champagne

Cheese & butter Twist

Traditional butter Twist

Olive & butter Twist

Alpine Salt & butter Twisties

Cheese & butter Twisties

Assortment

Traditional Mini-Twist

Cheese Mini-Twist

Butter palmier

Rolled waffle

Flat waffles

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Fontain, a small farming village

The Wash House

Located in Franche-Comté, Fontain is a village surrounded by fertile land. The little village of Fontain, in the Doubs Département, owes its name to the number of springs made into fountains within its territory. Some are known by their old names, such as the Massotte fountain or the Croc fountain. At Fontain, a forest of 15 hectares bears witness to the fertility of this land. The oak trees growing there are known for their exceptional quality, producing soft wood despite fast growth. This forest is also home to the most beautiful oak tree in France, according to the Director of the Research Laboratory looking at the quality of wood of IRNA.

A long agricultural tradition

In the middle ages, the fertile land of Fontain depended on the feudal lords of Arguel, the counts of Chalon. This powerful family dominated Franche-Comté for several centuries. Under their authority, in the 16th century, growing of grains and vines, as well as raising sheep and other similar animals were already taking place in the village. Cheese quickly became one of the regional specialities. In the 19th century, two cheese-making companies opened in Fontain. One of them is still well-known today.

Factories for Flutes and Mini-flutes

Located outside the village of Fontain, the two factories of the company Cornu SA were built in 1991 and 2000. Surrounded by fields and forests, they were designed in such a way as to reduce the impact on the environment and to offer an ideal workspace for employees.

This is where the traditional Flutes und Mini-Flutes are produced.

Products made in Fontain

Assortment

Traditional butter breadstick

Sesame breadstick

Sesame mini-breadstick

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Das dynamische mittelalterliche Städtchen Murten

The Chateau

At the edge of the lake of the same name, the small picturesque town of Morat charms tourists with its medieval buildings and idyllic scenery. Morat lies at the gateway to French-speaking Switzerland, within the bilingual French and German-speaking Canton of Fribourg. However, the small medieval town itself remains largely German-speaking. As an economic and cultural centre, Morat offers many activities for the visitor.

A medieval old town

Built in 1170, the old town of Morat remains associated, historically, with the epic battle fought by the Swiss confederates against the attacks by Charles le Téméraire, in 1476. The only ancient walls in Switzerland that can still be climbed offer a clear view over the town, the lake and Mont Vully. Cafes under the old arcades offer up an invitation to come and relax. With its medieval architecture, Morat has also kept its fountains, large houses and a chateau.

Morat, an invitation to go for a stroll

There are endless possibilities when it comes to enjoying a walk in the Morat region, with something for every taste. Whether travelling by bike, on roller-skates, on foot or by boat, the visitor can go off to explore the lake, the vines and many other scenic treats.

The Pretzel factory

In 1939, Leopold Schöffler, a master-baker of Bâle, installed a factory making baked goods, along the shores of Lake Morat. In 1951, the first Pretzel was made there. Since these products have been so immensely successful, to the point of having become part of the heritage of this small town. Today, Cornu SA is extremely proud to count these authentic Pretzels among the products of the «Mon Village» brand.

Product made in Morat

Traditional Bretzel