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Patrick SANCHEZ et Jean-Noël CASANOVA

Gaec Di Vallecalle

Traditional goat's and sheep's cheese

Visits : All year round

Regions : Nebbiu - Capi Corsu

Categories : Animal farming, cured meats, cheeses

Agricultural sectors : Corsican cheese, Suckling lamb and goat

Ld Saint - Paul
20232 Vallecalle
  06.10.96.12.16 |   06.21.81.06.52
  jeanno.casanova@gmail.com |
  @https://www.facebook.com/fomageriecasanova

Everyone is busy at Gaec di Vallecalle! Jean-Noël Casanova and Patrick Sanchez take care of the flock under the watchful eye of the patriarch, Pierre-Philippe Casanova. Angèle, his wife and daughter, Laëtitia, are in charge of selling the cheese made by Patrick.

You could say that being a Casanova shepherd is a family affair. “I am the third generation”, Jean-Noël explains, “but as far as I’m concerned, the flocks have always been around! As it was customary in Corsica to have animals, a vegetable patch and several vines next to one’s house.”


By his own admission, the farmer confided that he could never abandon the family farm. Patrick was the perfect partner to help him in this venture. “We’ve known each other since secondary school! We went to college together and I followed him to agricultural school,” Patrick adds. Once the apprenticeship was over, working with Jean-Noël was a no-brainer.”


Together, they are putting together a new flock, which now numbers 500 goats and some 130 ewes. “Shepherds shouldn’t be too sentimental,” Jean-Nöel continues, “but it’s hard not to get attached!” That’s why the flock is getting bigger!” Despite the importance of numbers, the two young shepherds run the farm masterfully in a very friendly atmosphere!