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On the Truffle Route, Provence unveils its black diamond

Nicknamed the “black diamond of Provence”, truffles are reputed for their inimitable fragrance and bewitching taste. A world-famed truffle producer, Provence dons its finest shades of black for the winter season! Our truffle route unveils its secrets… all the better to eat you with!

From Avignon to the Luberon

From menus to market stalls… Truffles, truffles everywhere!

Corinne & Guilhem Sevin in Avignon is a gourmet paradise for truffle lovers. Alternatively, the Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant Sevin boasts a black truffle menu to die for, with the Mont Ventoux Rabasse or Richerenches truffle topping the bill in every shape and form. But for professionals, the Carpentras market is THE reference. You might be able to jostle your way in, as long as you’re there at 9 a.m. sharp when the opening bell rings. In the Ventoux area, producers and wholesalers Les frères Jaumard are a genuine institution: their day tour programme includes a visit to the truffle meadows, truffle hunting demonstration and encounter with the farm’s two truffle hounds, Mirette and Polka. If your busy schedule allows, linger a little longer with a night at the delightful La Quinsonne B&B…

A stop-off at Richerenches market

A must-do truffle rendez-vous

Without a doubt Europe’s largest truffle market, Richerenches market is an absolute must-do. Held every Saturday from mid-November to mid-March, this magnificent market showcases stalls piled high with “black diamonds” (the local nickname for black truffles), plus a careful selection of local produce. Every year, its official opening is heralded with the Ban des Truffes inauguration ceremony and procession of the very-select Confrérie du Diamant Noir guild, bringing together representatives from various sectors of the truffle world. Celebrating its centenary this year, Richerenches market sells over 700 kilos of black truffles every week! The wholesale market is held on Cours du Mistral, but if you just want to buy one or two truffles, or are keen to pick up some regional and artisan produce, head to Avenue de la Rabasse. And we highly recommend sampling a delicious traditional truffle omelette while you’re there – you’ll find them on offer on Saturday lunchtimes!

From Gordes to the Verdon

Hunting and tasting: a feast for the senses!

Your first stop is Gordes – officially one of « France’s Most Beautiful Villages » – where truffle farmer Robert Florent leads you on a thrilling truffle hunt (cavage) in the Mounts of Vaucluse in the company of his faithful truffle hound Cannelle. More truffle hunting awaits you in Manosque courtesy of the Barbe family, along with a guided tour of their farm, Domaine les Garidelles. We love the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon (Luberon Truffle and Wine Centre) in Ménerbes too – this gorgeous 17th century site also hosts truffle discovery workshops. Don’t miss the must-have apple with caramel and black truffle at their on-site restaurant, the aptly-named « Cantine des Gourmets », before nabbing your favourite truffle-based products at the shop. Next, head to the world-famed Route des Gorges du Verdon and « Maison de la Truffe d’Aups et du Verdon » to immerse yourself in the multisensory world of our precious mushroom with a fun, underground Truffle Adventure Game suitable for all the family. If you’re a king of the kitchen, opt for an introduction to cooking with black truffles – participants hunt down the black gold before preparing an enticing truffle menu in the company of lady chef Fanette Aymé.

From the Haut-Var to the coast…

Truffles rule, season after season

The black truffle is harvested in winter and many events in its honour are celebrated from late November to early March. While you’re visiting Aups, make sure you schedule time to wander the town’s fabulous truffle market – it’s the perfect place to hunt down black diamonds every week from November to late February. It’s time to head to the coast, but on the way, stop off at the iconic Chez Bruno restaurant in Lorgues: a genuine culinary odyssey for truffle addicts, orchestrated with brio by the brothers Bruno. Truffles run in the veins of this family-run institution, where you’ll find truly remarkable dishes served in a cosy and decadent cocoon. Your flavourful adventure winds up in Grimaud with the Truffle & You two-day truffle fair bringing together locals and visitors between end January and early February: a promise of exquisite tastes topped with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and plenty of fascinating encounters.

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