Emblematic of the village at several levels, both in the memories that it has left and the economic, social and political role played over the years, the ancient inn is an integral part of Charmey’s heritage. This attachment is because it has been part of the village for several centuries and that close to five generations have headed it or sat on its benches (like Mrs Churchill and her daughter Mary).
Du nouveau à l’enclume ! Venez découvrir dès à présent :
Notre nouvelle carte
Nos plats du jour et suggestions du moment
Possibilité de menus spéciaux et d’évènements sur demande
IT USED TO BE CALLED “MARÉCHAL-FERRANT”, TODAY WE ARE NAMING IT “L’ENCLUME”»
Although the establishment was built in around 1780, the first trace of its hotel activity was recorded in 1824. For nearly 200 years it has remained one of the village’s three main places of gathering, and became particularly important in 1838 when the hotel partnered with the Post providing it with space, then a room adjoining the inn. At first it must just have been a place for depositing messages, but it subsequently became a real post office, housing the village’s first telegraphs and telephones, making the “Maréchal-Ferrant” a place of permanent curiosity, allowing the village to communicate with the outside world.
Stage-coaches linking Charmey to Bulle transported newspapers and letters as well as passengers. The horses, exhausted by their repeated trips, were shoed and watered by the blacksmith on the other side of the road between Bulle and Jaun Pass. This special location gave its name to the establishment (“maréchal-ferrant” means “blacksmith”).
The restaurant was adjoining the village hall, generally referred to as “Salle du Maréchal”, where gym lessons and games of bingo were organised, and shows and plays were staged, punctuating the village night-life. This place for meeting up, chatting and remembering has inspired the cohesion, friendliness and pride of Charmey’s inhabitants.
Restaurant
The name
By restoring life to Charmey’s emblematic place, we want to give it a new start. We wish to modernise it whilst keeping it anchored in its history, so full of emotions and souvenirs. This is why we renamed it whilst leaving it part of its identity: it used to be called “Le Maréchal-Ferrant” (The Blacksmith) but today we are naming it “L’Ecume” (The Anvil) after the mass of metal used in the smithy and forge. The restaurant’s new decoration has been designed in this optic, inspired by the world of forges and metal.
The concept
Formerly, Charmey owed its existence to two resources: the forest and Alpine cheese – both the production and export of this cheese, since the village was located on the route du fromage and exported this Alpine speciality to neighbouring France. Served in all its varied forms, consistencies and flavours, the cheese is the star of the establishment and highlights the Charmey and Fribourg heritage: from fondue to grilled tome, not forgetting croûte au fromage and raclette, it allows all cheese lovers to get together and chat in the new interior décor of this restaurant or on one of its two terraces in summer.
The « Maréchal-Ferrant »
The “Maréchal-Ferrant” has become “L’Enclume”, but remains a place steeped in history. This is linked to the memories, images, articles and postcards, which show the destiny of a place that will never be forgotten. And whose new history is only just beginning…
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