Fougerolles Orchards and Kirsch

In the Fougerolles area, tall trunk cherry trees are part of the heritage and date back from the seventeenth century. Kirsch was already produced back then, but it wasn’t until the early nineteenth century that distillery farms combining cherry production with polyculture-breeding appeared. Today, the geographical area of the “Kirsch de Fougerolles” AOC (labelled in May 2010) counts more than 10,000 cherry trees – among which 90% on Fougerolles territory. The cherry trade counts a hundred or so producers; a dozen among them distil on the farm, in 4 distilleries and in a shop of farmers-producers. Cherry tree culture and kirsch production are essential in the cultural and landscape identity of Fougerolles. High-trunk orchards also shelter many birds as farming practices remain extensive; meadow-orchards are mainly used for pastures. The old cherry varietal diversity is striking, with up to 50 species bearing meaningful names such as the Béchat, Jean Blanc, Chapendu, Marie-Jean Diaude or Tinette, each suited to the soil and micro-climate – therefore stretching harvest periods or improving pollination.

To better appreciate the farmer-distillers’ craftsmanship and history spanning across several centuries, the Cherry Land Ecomuseum in Fougerolles proposes guided tours.