In the heart of Ambierle, in the Loire region, the Tunnel de la Collonge stands as a testament to innovation and tradition. Originally a railway tunnel, it has been meticulously transformed into an exceptional cheese-aging cellar by Maison Mons.
The journey began with a meeting between Hervé Mons and Jean Bartholin, a member of the general council. During an expansion project at the Saint-Haon-le-Châtel site, Jean introduced Hervé to a disused tunnel in Ambierle. With the enthusiastic support of then-mayor Michel Magot-Dussot, the project took shape.
Over 18 months, cheeses were stored to test the site's aging potential, accompanied by meticulous monitoring of temperature, humidity, and airflow. The promising results led to the tunnel's complete renovation, preserving its original architecture while equipping it with modern aging facilities.
Today, the Tunnel de la Collonge is a state-of-the-art aging cellar where over 250 cheeses mature under optimal conditions. The unique environment of the tunnel—its consistent temperature, humidity, and natural airflow—contributes to the development of exceptional flavors and textures in our cheeses.
Beyond its primary function, the tunnel serves as an atypical venue for professional events. We are delighted to host and assist companies in organizing various events, including:
- Work meetings
- Seminars
- Conferences
- Cocktail receptions
- Product launches
For any visit requests or event planning, please contact us directly at: lacollonge@mons-fromagerie.fr
Practical Information
Tunnel de la Collonge
180 Route du Tunnel
42820 Ambierle
📧 Email: lacollonge@mons-fromagerie.fr