Our local star of September 2026

A must-visit for local produce in the Rhône region, Uniferme, located in the town of Beauvallon in the Monts du Lyonnais, offers products primarily sourced from local farms. An exemplary business, the kind we wish we had in every village square.

Discover the Uniferme adventure , the first collective farm shop created in France in 1978. The business will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary, remaining true to the values ​​of its founders, bold farmers from the Monts du Lyonnais region. Currently managed by eighteen producers, proudly following in the footsteps of their predecessors, it reflects the agricultural vitality of a high-quality terroir cultivated with respect for nature.

Daring, innovation, tradition: the hallmarks of Uniferme

In 1978, Uniferme embodied the strength of eight pioneering individuals* determined to bypass intermediaries to market the fruits of their labor. Agriculture at the time was based on the hyper-productive farm models of the 1960s. The aim was to guarantee national food self-sufficiency after the war.

At the dawn of the 80s, overproduction even reached a point. This phenomenon triggered an awareness within a segment of the farming community, giving rise to the idea of ​​returning to "common sense farming" and the desire to feed the population while respecting "the health of the Earth and those who inhabit it."

These are the words of the collective founders of Uniferme, all sons of farmers. They are united by their youth and a spirit of innovation that runs counter to the prevailing trends of the time. Their audacity leads them to build a simple stall themselves, where they will sell their products directly. Thus, on August 2, 1978, the first chapter of the Uniferme saga begins.

A glowing press article will attract many curious visitors. Success will be constant, reflecting the customer promise, skillfully maintained by the various successors who have been at the helm of the shop for almost half a century.

The beginnings of Uniferme in 1978 – Credit: Uniferme
Uniferme

Passionate about local produce, serving consumers

On Whit Saturday 1981, a new chapter began: a shop would now replace the original shack. The rest of the story is told to us by Constance Algan, market gardener, and Sébastien Tallotte, farmer-baker, one of the eighteen members of today's collective.

With conviction, they describe the virtuous cycle behind such success. It relies in particular on the daily presence of at least two farmers on site, in addition to the team of employees. An essential requirement, they explain, to remain "close to and alongside our customers" and "to discuss production methods."

Thanks to everyone's expertise, the exchanges with the public are enriching. Discussions range from gardening tips to gastronomy. Diversifying the range of local products, by leveraging the complementary skills of the farmers, has contributed to positive growth in the business.

As Sébastien Tallotte says, here you can find everything you need to put together "local meals for a whole week," using healthy, seasonal produce. So, "no tomatoes in the middle of winter," he adds. The freshness of the food is guaranteed by the close proximity of the farms, whose practices are inspired by small-scale, organic, or agroecological farming. 

At the beginning of September, crates of beautiful pattypan squash and plump eggplants catch the eye. On either side, jars of compote, cheeses, and terrines inspire ideas for delicious menus. Before heading to the kitchen, let yourself be inspired by the wonderful collection of recipes offered on the Uniferme website.

Rhône Tourism
Rhône Tourism
Rhône Tourism

An institution

Sébastien describes Uniferme as a place "where we do everything." The term "do" is not used lightly. While in the early years the food sold was mainly limited to fresh produce, the clientele has become more discerning.

Processed products, such as wine, jams, and bread, have gradually filled the shelves. It's important to know that everything found here is grown and produced exclusively on the eighteen farms.

Sébastien, for example, took over the business from his predecessor, Gilles, who had become a "farmer-baker" on the advice of one of the members of Uniferme. When Sébastien describes his work, he uses the expression "from seed to crumb," you could even say he's involved in everything! He grows his own grain, mills his own flour, and then gets to work in the ovens to make bread or delicious biscuits.

Uniferme consolidates farm operations and encourages farmers to adapt their practices. Almost all of them have hired employees to assist them. It is a genuine economic tool for facilitating the transfer of strong and thriving agricultural businesses.

Rhône Tourism
Rhône Tourism
Rhône Tourism

Constance Algan, for her part, has partnered with her colleague Alexandre Loubet. They have taken over from Dominique and Françoise Viannay, market gardeners at Ferme des Haies Vives in Chassan. The two young people, originally from Lorraine and the Drôme respectively, now specialize in growing early vegetables. It's a profession they hadn't necessarily considered after their studies.

Today, Uniferme is more committed than ever to its founders' vision and to meeting the needs of the community. Its mission is to offer a fully controlled food system, from farm to fork, and to ensure that farmers can earn a decent living from their work, even if they work long hours. To the delight of its regular customers, some of whom have been with the company since its inception, the shop is open 7 days a week, with the exception of December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st.

* The eight founders of Uniferme in alphabetical order: Jean-Paul Dandel, Jean Guinand, Jean-Michel Guyot, Christian Joannin, Gérard Lhopital, Guy Rivoire, Claude Savoyat and Gaby Villard.

Their work is recounted in the book, The Uniferme Saga, or the Invention of a New Short Supply Chain Model. Available in the shop.

2 hiking ideas with a local picnic

Saint-André-la-Côte, Le Signal hike – 14,6 km

  • Bring a good backpack to carry your picnic.
  • Stop by Uniferme to choose your favorite products
  • Go to Saint-André-la-Côte to reach the starting point of the hike The Signal
  • Remember to save some dessert to enjoy while overlooking the Signal viewpoint.

Riverie, a hike from Riverie to the borders of Bozançon - 16,6 km

Uniferme

90, RD 34 The Broken Bridge – St Andéol le Château

69700 BEAUVALLON

Tel. 04 78 44 05 07

Website

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