Armonie and Yann Cheritel
Spotlight on Ty Lipous, a farm that promises to consume organic, local and promote short distribution channels.
This summer, the Ty Lipous farm is extending its opening hours to show its various activities to as many people as possible. Discover the educational farm, yoghurt parlour and bar with local products.
An educational farm, yoghurt parlour and a bar with local products are the 3 main areas to discover in the farm. The Ty Lipous farm in Moustéru, near Guingamp, is a landmark in many ways. It has been growing and reinventing itself since half of its milk production was turned into yoghurts. Having gone organic in 2018, under the demand of Yann Cheritel, the farm developed its activities to invite people to come visit it. « We like to welcome people to the farm, so we developed this reception area » says Armonie Cheritel
Milk and yoghurts
The farm’s growth is mostly due to the production of dairy products. In total, 16 items from Ty Lipous are on sale. Plain yoghurt, vanilla cream, rice pudding… there’s something for everyone. The products are all organic and fair trade. « We control the whole distribution circuit. From the cow’s food to our products’ sale », says Armonie Cheritel. You can see this process for yourself on the guided tours of the dairy farm named Dans les coulisses des yaourts Ty Lipous. « We show the transition from a blade of grass to yoghurt » says Armonie Cheritel. This discovery is available in groups and on reservation Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2pm during the holidays and Wednesdays at 2pm the rest of the year. The visit of the farm welcomes school groups most of the time. « Children like to see how the yoghurts that they eat at the canteen are made », explains Armonie Cheritel. Ty Lipous products are sold in supermarkets, but also to local communities and canteens.
Menthe, thym, ça en donnerait presque faim… Heureusement, il est possible de savourer « les petites notes acidulées et fruitées des petites baies » grâce au passage gourmand un peu plus loin. Mais ce qui fait le charme du parcours se sont aussi les animaux. Une cinquantaine se trouve sur la boucle. Lapins, vaches, ânes, poules… Il y a de la diversité. Des panneaux présentent les espèces et les animaux par leur petit nom. On peut d’ailleurs souvent les approcher de plus près en rentrant dans l’enclos en prenant soin de ne pas les effrayer. Les chèvres naines et les lapins se laisseront probablement caresser alors que les cochons d’Inde cherchent souvent à se cacher. Une escapade qui sent bon la nature… Et une bonne manière d’apprendre la faune et la flore aux enfants à n’en pas douter.
Awaken all 5 senses during the guided tours
More recently, an educational farm has been set up. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm during the holidays. « the route is designed to appeal to all 5 senses », says Armonie Cheritel. At the start of the visit, you’ll find a sensory path to test yourself and learn in a fun way. A headset challenges you to recognize birdsongs and a large sensory tray to go barefoot. The complete immersion in nature continues with the aromatic garden and its characteristic smells.
Mint, thyme, it almost makes you hungry… Fortunately, you can savor « the tart, fruity notes of small berries » in the gourmet passage a little further on. But the charm of the visit also lies in the animals. You can find around 40 animals on the loop : rabbits, cows, donkeys, chickens… it’s very diverse. Panels introduce the species and animals by name. You can often get up close by entering the enclosure, taking care not to scare them. The pygmy goats will probably let you pet them, but the rabbits and guinea pigs might try to hide. An escape that smells of nature… And a great way to teach children about flora and fauna.
Organic and local products at the farm bar
When the tea and snacks time comes, the farm bar allows you to take a break. The farm’s products (in direct sales all year round) but also products for the surroundings are available there. All the products (or almost all) are organic and local. The bar terrace is partly protected by the hangar in case of bad weather. « The objective is to be consistent right through to the end, and it also allows us to showcase the products of other local producers », says Armonie Cheritel. The farm is also the initiator of the Ty Local producers’ association. At the farm bar, clients can retrieve products from different farms with the Ty Local label. This service is available on Fridays from 2pm to 7pm. It’s a way to encourage visitors to eat local. « The aim is for people to come for one thing and come back for another », say Yann and Armonie Cheritel. They can also accommodate you in a gîte to extend the experience this summer.
(© Tex: Publihebdos)
