Maison de la Vache qui rit, Food industry museum in Lons-le-Saunier, France.
This museum in Lons-le-Saunier tells the story of a famous French cheese brand through original packaging, advertisements, and objects from its long history. The displays walk you through how the product was made, designed, and sold to people across the world over more than a century.
Cheese production started here in 1921 and grew into a success across France and beyond. The museum was built years later directly on the original production site to preserve and tell this story.
The museum reveals how this French cheese brand became a household name and shaped eating habits across France through smart marketing and design. You can see how the red cow icon evolved and why it still resonates with people who grew up with the product.
The site works well for families since there is a playground and hands-on activities where you can learn about production. On-site dining and a shop make it easy to spend a few hours here without needing to leave for basic needs.
Many visitors miss that guided tours offer a look at old machinery and production techniques that reveal how things were made decades ago. This behind-the-scenes view contrasts sharply with the modern methods used today.
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