Ferme Auberge de Fréterolles, Morzine, Haute Savoie

When I set off on a summer hike in the Lac Mines D’or area of Morzine, I did give some thought to where we might find lunch, however, I had no idea that we would stumble upon the family-run Auberge de Freterolles or Chalet de Freterolles – as it is marked on the map.  What a great find, nestled high up above the Lac Mines D’or – about a 20 minute uphill beautiful walk with 360-degree breathtaking views.  This Auberge is on the hiking route to the Col de Coux or in the direction of Samoens the Col de la Golése.

The lac Mines D’or, situated about 7 kms from Morzine, is an artificial fishing lake that was created by the people of Morzine in 1981.  It is approximately 2000 square metres and up to 5 metres deep.  The lake is situated 2/3 in the commune of Samoens and 1/3 in Morzine area. There is a boardwalk all the way around the lake.  The lake is well stocked with trout and the fishermen are allowed to retrieve a maximum of 5 per day as long as they are over 25cms long!

The hikes in this area are all very well signposted and all the local tourist offices have guides and maps.  There are several circular walks with varying degrees of climb.  All offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, cols and flora and fauna.  We encountered cows, goats, heard the marmottes whistling, saw the birds of prey swooping and plenty of fields of colourful wildflowers. Here is a link to the website showing several ideas for hikes around this area.

Now for Lunch

So lunch – well this place is clearly very popular with the locals as inside the Auberge was full.  There is a great terrace offering both sunshine and shade; the undercover area is large with a huge array of authentic cowbells for sale!  This is a working farm and the cow herd walked through the courtyard area in front of the terrace as we lunched followed by the goats and over in the corner the pigs could be heard happily basking in the sun and mud!

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There are two menus both very reasonably priced at €14 (plat – omelette and green salad ) and €16 (plat – beignets and green salad)  – both offer charcuterie to start including homemade pate and butter and a selection of homemade cheeses to finish, including goats cheeses and Tomme.  Everything is produced here on the farm and tasted absolutely so fresh and delicious.   There is also a small choice of other dishes including fondue and raclette and some great looking homemade desserts, including that classic Savoyard speciality of Tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart)  the service was very good and friendly – this is a family run auberge.

The Auberge de Fréterolles is open every day in the summer from around mid June to the end of September (good idea to call ahead at the beginning and end of the summer season to check they are open)  They do take reservations and judging by how popular Saturday lunch was – I’ll book next time!  I believe that this summer season of 2018 they are open on Sundays – but call first to check!

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The Ferme and Auberge de Freterolles is run by the famille Boisier.  
Tel 06 08 57 58 33

I enjoyed this lunch at my own expense and this is my opinion of my personal experience at the Auberge de Freterolles. It is a good idea to book especially at weekends as this is a popular lunch spot in the mountains!
Although it is a great and not too long hike but with stunning views to get to the Auberge, it is possible to access by car, probably a 4×4 would be best!

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