La Maison du Comté

About the museum

La Maison du Comté came from the wish of the elected representatives of the Comité interprofessionnel de gestion du Comté, who launched the reflection in January 2012: the sector wanted a new hub dedicated to Comté. The teams of architects, museographers and set designers were chosen in 2016, the building permit was filed in 2017 for the former Bonnotte stadium on the Route de Lons in Poligny, and the foundation stone was laid in autumn 2018.

The 3,000 m² complex brings together three buildings that evoke the three links of the sector: milk producers, cheesemakers and affineurs (cheese maturers). Their architecture reinterprets, in a contemporary way, the traditional farms of the Haut-Doubs and the Haut-Jura. The roof framework is almost entirely made of Jura timber, notably spruce, sawn and processed locally, and heating works by geothermal energy. A 2,500 m² landscaped park surrounds the buildings.

The interpretation centre opened to the public on May 19, 2021. Across about 1,500 m² of exhibition space, it offers a journey in seven sequences, from the reception to the maturing cellar, which ends with a tasting of two Comtés of different ages.

Highlights

• Immersive journey in three worlds: the farm, the fruitière (dairy cooperative), the maturing cellar
• Seven sequences with hands-on activities, videos, models and games
• Guided tasting of two Comtés of different ages included in the ticket
• Comtesse mascot to guide children
• Jura timber building, finalist of the 2021 national timber construction prize

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours immersif au pays du Comté – Seven sequences present the Comté sector, from the farm and the milk producer to the fruitière (dairy cooperative), the cheesemaker and the maturing cellar, with a set design that engages all five senses.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Comité interprofessionnel de gestion du Comté (CIGC)

Admission & discounts

The individual ticket includes a self-guided visit and a tasting of two Comtés. 30% discount with the carte jeune (youth card) and €1 discount with the Pass Jura Musée. Accepted payment methods: cash, bank card, cheque, ANCV cheques, chèque culture, Pass Découverte BFC.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The house holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for mental, motor and hearing disabilities. Everything is on one level, without stairs or changes in level (reception, shop, rooms, toilets); reserved parking spaces next to the building, induction loop at reception, wheelchair, walking sticks and magnifying glass lent on request, videos subtitled in French, English and German, numerous seats. Points to note: the entrance door is not automatic, the screening room is in total darkness, and one room has large mirrors. An easy-read booklet is announced. Assistance dogs are admitted; other dogs are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Route suited to the whole family with the Comtesse mascot guiding children, hands-on activities and games; family package. The whole house is accessible with a pushchair.

Getting there & parking

The house is on the Route de Lons, near the Camping de la Tulipe. Accueil Vélo label since 2023, on the Port-Lesney – Poligny route of the P'tite GTJ by bike: free luggage storage, bike racks, repair kit, charging point for e-bikes, water fountain. From the cycle path on Rue Charles de Gaulle, take Rue des Perchées.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop and tasting area. Wi-Fi is mentioned only as an equipment of the seminar rooms, on request.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 220 guests.

Seminar rooms: Salle du Parc and Salle des Charmilles (120 m² each, up to 120 people for a cocktail), Salle du Massif (240 m², up to 220 people for a cocktail) and two teaching workshops of 35 m². Available every day, with audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi on request; gourmet breaks and catering possible.

Plan your visit