Leaving a stay in La Bresse without local products would be a mistake. Here are the must-haves and where to buy them.
The must-haves
Farmhouse Munster
The king of Vosges cheeses, essential. See our Munster guide. Keeps 2 weeks chilled.
Val d’Ajol charcuterie
Andouilles smoked over Vosges wood, dry sausages, air-dried meat. The butchers of Le Thillot and Val d’Ajol are the go-to.
Wild blueberries
Fresh in season (July/August), processed year-round: jams, liqueurs, syrups, frozen tarts. More intense flavour than cultivated blueberries.
Vosges honey
Fir honey (rare, highly prized), forest honey, spring honey. Family production, buy direct from the beekeeper or at the market.
Craft beers
Several local breweries (see our guide). Tasting boxes often available.
Géromé
Munster’s cousin, a mountain cheese specific to Gérardmer. Rarer, look for the AOP label.
Jams and jellies
Redcurrant, mirabelle, plum, fir (rare), blackcurrant. Often organic and artisanal.
Natural soaps and cosmetics
Local artisans using donkey milk, Vosges plants, fir extracts.
Where to buy
- La Bresse market on Saturday morning
- Producer farms: welcome and direct sales
- Village shops specialising in terroir
- Bakeries and patisseries for the tarts
Keeping things in transit
- Cool bag for fresh products
- Paper wrappers rather than plastic
- Insulated boxes for long journeys
- Bottles wrapped in a terry cloth to avoid breakage
Stock up before the drive back: our chalet is 5 min from the producers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring Munster home by car in summer?
Yes in a cool bag with ice packs, wrapped in a damp cloth. Recommended transport time under 6h. Avoid plastic bagging which creates condensation and alters the taste.
What lasts longest?
Jams (several years sealed), honey (indefinite), craft beers (6 months to 1 year). Cheeses and charcuterie: 2 to 3 weeks refrigerated.
Where to buy direct from producers?
La Bresse Saturday market, farm shops, the producers' boutique on Route du Hohneck. Fair prices and a real story behind each product.
AOP products?
Munster (since 1969). Some blueberries carry the Vosges origin. The Val d'Ajol andouille is IGP protected.