Our local star of November 2025

In the Monts du Lyonnais region, Cyrille Poncet raises his chickens using organic farming methods, far removed from the standards of industrial farming. Coming from a family of farmers, he champions the benefits of this sustainable approach for both nature and the consumer.

"The best eggs in the world" Could they come from Haute-Rivoire? That's certainly the opinion of one of the customers of the Association for the Maintenance of Peasant Agriculture (AMAP), through which Cyrille Poncet sells part of his produce. Farmer "Passionate"As he likes to define himself, he is committed to offering healthy and tasty food.

The daily life of red hens in la Fouillouses farm

Cyrille Poncet's chicken coops are located in Haute-Rivoire and in Saint-Clement-les-Places, on the border of the Loire department. Here, on the heights of mountains of LyonnaisHills and hedgerows intertwine as far as the eye can see.

This morningThe air smells good, like snowThe first snowflakes fell during the night. Between the light mists and the pinkish tint of the morning sky, the countryside takes on the appearance of an impressionist painting.

As you approach the chicken coop at Haute-Rivoire, the silence is striking. Yet, 400 red hens with bright eyes They waddle behind the door. Curious and bold, they approach us calmly, while others lay their eggs in the darkness of a locker.

Although they are free to go outside all day in an adjacent field, for the moment they prefer the warmth of their shelter.

  • RT – Corinne Brassard
  • RT – Corinne Brassard
  • RT – Corinne Brassard

Animal husbandry that respects the biological rhythms of the animals

Cyrille's herd includes 900 chickens. As an estimated comparison, he mentions the 30,000 animals grouped together in some industrial farms, or even 100,000 when they remain in cages.

At the Fouillouse Farm, approximately 5,000 eggs are collected each weekIt's important to know that light and food, in particular, stimulate egg laying. While in a domestic backyard, hens roost with the sun, the use of artificial lighting in poultry farms lengthens their days, thus increasing production.

Here, the lights are turned off. 20 p.m. to 5 a.m.The food, consisting of Organic cereals and proteins, sourced from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

RT – Corinne Brassard
RT – Corinne Brassard
RT – Corinne Brassard

An organic conversion designed for a responsible future

The creation of chicken coops in 2018 is part of an approach toorganic farming.

It marks the career change of Cyrille and his former partner Claudie, former dairy farmers.

He explains this shift as a result of the milk crisis and a growing awareness in connection with the future of his children"The desire to contribute to healthier agriculture also guided this choice.

Firmly grounded in his professional values, he sells exclusively in short circuit, synonymous for him with "Local, friendly atmosphere and the pleasure of interacting with customers".

Her eggs are bought by restaurateurs of the Lyonnais mountains and famous chef Christian Têtedoiethanks to the network My producers, my cooks.

They are found in the grocery stores independent and AMAPHe also goes to Lyon to offer them in baskets.

Promoting an authentic local culture

Cyrille Poncet plays a artisanal farming characteristic of mountains of Lyonnais.

From his parents, he inherited knowledge that he enjoys passing on to new generations, which he perceives in "Loss of knowledge about the agricultural world."

Native of mountains of LyonnaisHe never tires of admiring the verdant landscapes, the seas of clouds trapped in the valleys overlooked by luminous skies, or even "the sunsets over the Forez mountains ».

On the culinary side, like "the staple food" As far as the egg is concerned, he prefers it in simple dishes: "In mayonnaise, in the batter of a yogurt cake, or in a mixed salad."

Interested in a hike immersing yourself in the bucolic landscape of the Haute-Rivoire area?

Where can I buy eggs from the Fouillouses farm?

In Lyon:

In the Lyonnais mountains: