Did you know that the Vaucluse is where you can find the largest quantities of truffles in France? From December to the end of February, truffle growers organise days or weekends for the public to find out all about the famous Tuber Melanosporum.
North Vaucluse
Christian Merin is a truffle grower and owner of a mycorrhised tree nursery in Valréas. In his nursery, where he has been growing various mycorrhised trees and shrubs for 20 years, he introduces his visitors to the biological cycle of the truffle and then invites them to follow him as he goes searching for the truffles with his dog. The outing ends with a tasting of truffled toast accompanied by a glass of Côtes du Rhône.
By request, truffle hunting can also take place close to the village of Richerenches (without the tour of the nursery). And if you want to meet him without prior booking, you can find him every Saturday at the Richerenches truffle market where he sells his fresh truffles and local produce from December to March.
From €10, about 60-90 minutes. In French
In the Luberon
Truffle grower Nicolas Monnier offers day-long outings to learn about the precious mushroom on his farm, close to Apt.
Programme for the day: arrival in the morning, visit the farm, initial introduction to the Tuber Melanosporum, look for truffles with the dog, cooking lesson with truffles (recipes provided), and truffle lunch, drinks included.
It is also possible to stay on site, at the Mas des Tavannes, his 19th-century farmhouse which has been restored and transformed into a guest house (4 rooms).
From 2 to 10 people. €90 per person. In French and English.
In Gordes, Robert Florent, accompanied by his dog, organises truffle hunting outings, looking for wild truffles in the Luberon countryside. The outing ends with the tasting of truffle and a glass of AC Luberon wine.
Up to 30 people. About 1/2 day. From €200 for the whole group. In French (+ €50 if interpreter required)
At the foot of Mont Ventoux
The Jaumard family, truffle farmers and traders, offer outings with their dogs to look for truffles in their fields around Monteux.
They offer introductory days including a presentation, an outing to the truffles patches and a truffle-based lunch by the fireplace (meals and drinks included). You can also stay at their guest house La Quinsonne (4 rooms).
Up to 30 people. Dates and rates on request. In French and English. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
More info on truffles in Vaucluse
©Kessler, Gainnet,Biset, Hocquel