La Maison Cailler

La Maison Cailler is a great day trip and does not require much advanced planning. Located in Broc, it is easy to get to and rather inexpensive for an entire afternoon of culture and fun!

Cailler began with Francois-Louis Cailler, the inventor of milk chocolate, in 1819 and the current factory was later established in 1898. The area provided a river for energy and fields for the cows and was thus the perfect place for a chocolate factory.

"Welcome to our tasting room...You
are most welcome to taste all chocolate
you desire..."

Today at the factory there is an incredible chocolate shop, a cafe and a tour that you simply cannot miss! It begins much like a Disney attraction and walks you through the discovery of chocolate, then opens up to the factory and finishes with an all you can eat tasting session at the end. That alone is worth the entrance fee which for a student is only 8 CHF!

Do be sure to pick up your favorites from the store and check out the wall of chocolate. Sometimes there is a deal offered but may require a minimum purchase so get together with a friend and combine your purchases!

Across the street there is a small park which is a great place to have lunch or simply burn off some energy after eating more chocolate than you thought you ever would. There is also a great view of the surrounding area! Take some time to mellow out and appreciate the beauty of the area beyond the magic of the chocolate factory.

It is very easy to get to La Maison from Lausanne! Take a train from Lausanne to Bulle and then a second from Bulle to Broc-Fabrique (one stop further than Broc-Village). When you are purchsing tickets Broc-Fabrique is the destination and it should direct you through Bulle. With a half pass, round trip tickets were 22 CHF making the overall day 30 CHF total, plus whatever you find that you just can't leave behind!

It was a wonderful, simple yet satisfying day and I am not the only one who would highly recomend it! This is after all the land of chocolate!

For more information visit... www.maisoncailler.com