Toquicimes

Toquicimes: Mountain Cuisine in the Spotlight in Megève

Toquicimes was born in 2018 from the ambition to make Megève the capital of mountain cuisine. Megève-based chef Emmanuel Renaut, a three-Michelin-starred chef at the helm of the restaurant Flocons de Sel, presided over and co-founded this first edition alongside Christian Douchement, then director of Megève Tourisme. From its inception, the festival benefited from the patronage of Marc Veyrat, another leading figure in Savoyard gastronomy.

The founding idea is simple yet ambitious: to promote mountain culinary know-how, too often reduced to clichés like fondue and raclette, by showcasing the richness, diversity, and modernity of alpine cuisine. Approved by the Megève municipality, this excellent idea quickly gained traction to become a joyful and essential autumn event.

A Generous and Accessible Program

Toquicimes unfolds over three days with a dense and varied program, entirely free and open to all. Culinary demonstrations by starred chefs and mountain artisans are at the heart of the festival: in front of a passionate audience, the cooks share their techniques and secrets, highlighting the best of alpine local products — reblochon, beaufort, diots, féra from Lake Geneva, blueberries, génépi, and other treasures from the alpine pastures.

Workshops, Competitions, and Market

Participatory workshops allow the public to get hands-on, from the youngest to adults. Culinary competitions, for professionals and amateurs, stimulate emulation and reveal new talents. Over 80 competitions have been organized throughout the editions. The producers' market and the Horeca'lpes trade show bring together artisans, local producers, and restaurant professionals in a space for exchange and discovery.

Prestigious Patrons

Each edition of Toquicimes is placed under the patronage of emblematic figures of French gastronomy. After Marc Veyrat for the inaugural edition, the festival has hosted renowned chefs who bring their expertise and notoriety to the event. The 2025 edition was sponsored by Hélène Darroze, a three-starred chef, and Norbert Tarayre, a media-savvy chef, demonstrating the festival's national reach.

A Unifying Event for Megève

Toquicimes plays an essential role in Megève's autumn animation, attracting gourmets, professionals, and the curious during a typically quieter season. The festival unites all stakeholders of the resort — restaurateurs, hoteliers, shopkeepers, producers, and volunteers — around a joyful celebration of mountain gastronomy.