In French-speaking Switzerland—particularly in the cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel, as well as the Bernese Jura region of Bern—there are farmhouse restaurants known as métairies. During a recent family hike, on a beautiful late-summer day in the Chasseral Regional Park, we stopped for lunch at the Métairie de Morat.

Historic Métairies in the Bernese Jura

Over 50 métairies can be found in the Jura mountain range. Some of these farms even date back centuries, serving over the years as the summer pastures for dairy cows. At the same time, they also provide drinks, snacks and meals to passersby. Many of the métairies are only open from spring to autumn, but some serve guests during the winter as well.

Some individual métairies have also become known for particular dishes or food products. For example, the Métairie des Plânes serves “La Chasse,” a wild game menu, from mid-September to the end of October. In the Chasseral Regional Park, a number of these farmhouse restaurants have signed a charter, in which they commit to serving local foods from the region. 

Métairie de Morat

At the Métairie de Morat, about a 45-minute walk from the parking lot at the Hotel Chasseral, we stopped to have lunch nearly mid-way through our hike. Located at 1,461 meters (4,791 ft) above sea level, this farm in the Jura mountains has a thick blanket of snow in the wintertime.

A few large wooden picnic tables, shaded by a large tarp, stood right in the front of the farmhouse. The family staying at the house welcomed us, as we took a seat. Just like generations before them, these summer tenants of this historic home have dual roles—taking care of the cows in their warm-weather pasture and managing the restaurant. The kitchen can serve a maximum of about 30 people at a time (10 inside and 15-20 outside).

The menu consisted of simple dishes with local ingredients, such as cheese fondue and homemade fruit tarts. We ordered up two large Rösti, one with bacon, and an “assiette froide” (cold plate) with meat, cheese and bread. Everything was homemade on the spot in the small farmhouse kitchen. This Swiss comfort food was deeply satisfying after our morning walk.

Rather than having to pack a picnic for your hike, you can take advantage of Switzerland’s network of métairies. I find them a nice way to discover local Swiss foods and support the economy of these rural communities. However, I do recommend that you check in advance to make sure that they will be open during the day of your hike. And, make sure to take some cash, as many do not accept credit or bank cards.

For more information:

• Farm Restaurants – Jura-Trois Lac Tourisme
• Parc Régional Chasseral – Restauration du terroir
• Métairies: the mountain inns of the Bernese Jura, Federal Office of Culture

Updated: July 3, 2025