La Maison de la Vache qui rit

About the museum

La Maison de La Vache qui rit opened in 2009 in Lons-le-Saunier, in the Jura. It was created at the initiative of Catherine Sauvin, granddaughter of Léon Bel, on the very site where the brand was born in 1921. The building was designed by the architectural firm Reichen et Robert. The museum closed temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic and reopened on May 19, 2021, to mark the brand’s centenary.

The museum is the reference point for the memory of La Vache qui rit and tells a 20th-century story of industry and marketing. It holds around 20,000 objects across nearly 2,200 m²: posters, boxes, labels and promotional gifts. Two historic cellars, where the story began with Jules Bel’s cheese-ripening workshop, present the brand’s history, from its creation to the development of the factories and the major advertising campaigns.

The self-guided visit lasts an average of one and a half hours. It includes the “Curieuse collection” of objects bearing the cow’s image, a humorous exhibition on its “prehistory”, a model and films about manufacturing, an augmented reality installation, a six-anecdote comic strip and small creative workshops. The educational garden and the esplanade with games for children complement the visit, which ends with a tasting in the shop.

Highlights

• Historic cellars where La Vache qui rit was born
• “Curieuse collection” of objects bearing the brand’s image
• Model and films on manufacturing
• Augmented reality installation
• Small creative workshops and game tables

Permanent exhibitions

• La Curieuse collection – A selection of objects bearing the image of the red cow, presented room by room across different eras.
• Histoire de La Vache qui rit – In two historic cellars, six islands present archives, films and objects on the brand’s history, starting from Jules Bel’s cheese-ripening workshop.
• Fabrication de La Vache qui rit – A model and films show the manufacturing steps of the portions and several of the company’s trades.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Groupe Bel

Admission & discounts

Partner benefits: Pass JuraMusées, Carte Avantage Jeune, Pass Découverte Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, SNCF TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (ticket valid for less than 48 hours or subscription to Lons-le-Saunier), Visite Passion, Pass culture, Gîtes de France and partner campsites. Payment by cash, bank card, check or ANCV Chèques-Vacances. Online booking possible.

Accessibility

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

Reception labeled Tourisme & Handicap (motor, hearing, visual and intellectual disabilities). Three wheelchairs and walking-stick seats on request; large-print booklet. Audio guide adapted for smartphones, with a route in easy-to-read French (FALC), an audio description of about 40 minutes and content in sign language. Guided tour in sign language for groups on request. Two reserved spaces in the public car park in front of the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Multimedia route on a tablet, escape game chests for children aged 7 to 14, small creative workshops and game tables. Educational garden and games for children on the esplanade. Children’s birthday parties at the museum from age 3 (€14 per child, minimum 10 participants, booked one month in advance). Activities during school holidays.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle parking on the museum grounds, lockers for helmets and belongings, repair kit at reception.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Wachkyrie café with terrace (drinks only, accessible without visiting the museum). Pop-up restaurant La Petite Marmite in July and August. Shop with a tasting at the end of the visit. Lockers available free of charge.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 70 guests.

Auditorium with 70 seats and Wi-Fi access, kitchen of over 80 m² for workshops and demonstrations, atrium for cocktail receptions. Tours, escape games and cooking workshops for corporate events.

Plan your visit