Producer partner feature: Fromagerie Bio Jean-Marie Beaudoin

Jean-Marie Beaudoin / All photos courtesy of Conor Belcher

We have such varied experiences during our Rêverie Retreats - workshops, wine tastings, vineyard tours and long, leisurely French dinners over great conversation and food from the local market. But nothing, in my estimation, is as important or as rewarding as the experiences with our local producer partners. When we are welcomed into their workspaces, it is both an honor and pure joy.

This pure joy is not extolled by anyone more than it is the remarkable and wildly dedicated Jean-Marie Beaudoin, the cheesemaker from the Picardie territory of Normandy, France.

To be welcomed into such an important act of love as his fromagerie is a gift. Learning about the sustainable efforts of this multi-generational son of the land - his family were dairy farmers, a tradition his brother Amory, still maintains today - in fact, it is the primary dairy Jean-Marie uses for his organic cheese, along with one other local organic dairy that meets the standard of his production. The Beaudoins embody what it means to be responsible stewards of the land in France. Maintaining product quality is only an equal priority as providing a productive and sustainable practice that speaks to current environmental crisis that faces everyone, but most especially people who provide and produce from the land.

The inspiration and enthusiasm that Jean-Marie shared with our guests was a highlight of our spring 2023 season. When we forge these relationships with makers and producers, it is of utmost importance to us to share a true glimpse into a place and time - one that not only speaks to the history of the work at hand, but also of the future of possibility and responsibility surrounding it.

We have so many more experiences just like this one set for 2024 and now is the time to think about where you want to go and how you want to travel in the next year. In Ireland, we will meet local fisherman, local bakers and chefs, gig for oysters and basically get to know the lay of the beautiful land according to Trevor Moran, an inspiration in and of himself. There are also still spots available for our wild and wonderful journey (our first outside of Europe, eeee!) to St. Lucia with the legendary Nina Compton. Exploring cocoa farms, sailing, swimming and cooking (of course). Check out our upcoming trips on the website, hit us up with any questions and remember, we are keen to make travel accessible for all, so let us know how we can make this happen for you!

Your friends in travel,

Reverie Forever!