Characterised by a melting texture and a sweet taste, the Cévennes Onion can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and participates in the success of many rustic and fine recipes.
Recipe suggestion: Tourte Cévenole
One of the most delightful culinary specialties of southern France is Camargue rice, which is grown in the marshlands between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the Rhône River delta. The Camargue spreads across the départements of Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, and Hérault.
The shadows of the sun-drenched Uzège Languedoc landscape - which circles the majestic city of Uzès - conceal a gastronomic treasure of unparalleled allure: truffles.
Truffle: tuber melanosporum
With their intoxicating aroma and earthy flavour, truffles have captivated culinary enthusiasts for centuries. For a heightened sensory experience let’s dig into the mystique of local truffles and uncover the secrets behind their exquisite allure.
Unearthly Gems: Truffles Revealed
To comprehend the enigma of truffles, one must first understand their origins. These subterranean fungi grow symbiotically with the roots of specific trees, predominantly oaks and hazelnuts. But what truly sets Uzège truffles apart is the unique combination of soil, climate, and meticulous cultivation techniques practiced in the region. The result? An elusive and extraordinary gem hidden beneath the surface.
The Quest for Perfection: Harvesting Truffles
Like a skilled detective on the hunt for a hidden treasure, truffle harvesters in the Uzège region possess an unparalleled expertise. With their trained dogs or pigs, they navigate the truffières, or truffle orchards, scouring the land for the subtle signs that hint at the presence of these remarkable fungi. The earthy scent of truffles wafts through the air, teasing the senses and adding to the excitement of the search.
The harvest, which takes place during the cooler months from November to March, requires patience and precision. Each truffle is meticulously excavated, ensuring the delicate mycelium network that sustains these subterranean marvels remains intact. This gentle approach, combined with the expertise of the harvesters, safeguards the flavour and aroma that make Uzège truffles so highly sought after.
Culinary Alchemy: Truffles in the Kitchen
Once these aromatic treasures are unearthed, it's time for the culinary alchemy to begin. Truffles possess an unmistakable fragrance that evokes the essence of the surrounding countryside. Their earthy, musky aroma hints at their complex flavour profile, characterised by notes of garlic, hazelnut, and undergrowth.
The chefs of Uzès, revered for their celebration of locally-sourced produce, transform these precious truffles into extraordinary dishes that showcase their unique character. Shavings of fresh truffle elevate a simple omelet or pasta dish to new heights, infusing each bite with a symphony of flavours. Velvety truffle-infused sauces, delicate truffle-infused oils, and even truffle ice cream demonstrate the versatility of this extraordinary ingredient.
The Magnificence of Uzège Truffle Festivals
To truly immerse yourself in the world of Uzège truffles, attending one of the region's vibrant truffle festivals is an experience not to be missed. These celebrations of gastronomy offer a delightful insight into the local culture, showcasing the region's truffle heritage through lively markets, cooking demonstrations, and truffle-hunting excursions. Visitors can experience the heady flavours, interact with passionate truffle producers, and witness the magic of truffle-inspired creations firsthand.
A Gourmet Odyssey
Embarking on a culinary odyssey through the Uzège region near Uzès is an unforgettable experience. The allure of Uzège truffles, with their captivating aroma and complexity of flavour, permeates every corner of this rugged land. From the thrill of the hunt to the magic in the kitchen, Uzège truffles offer a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, and transports you into a realm of gastronomic delight.
Truffle Weekend, Uzès - 3rd weekend of the year
Throughout the region truffles are a mainstay of regional restaurants throughout the year, but it is in the first month of the year that these black diamonds take centre stage at the annual Week-End De La Truffe.
Find yourself at the table of a big meal orchestrated by award-winning chefs during the Night of the Truffle on Saturday evening. The next day, for Truffle Day discover the authentic market of the black truffle, Place aux Herbes for the grand truffle auction and prize-giving.
Friday evening is devoted to Friday evening is devoted AOC-AOP wines Duchy of Uzès and is an opportunity to sample the new vintage presented by 19 Duchy of Uzès winemakers.
In Uzès and environs:
Demonstrations
Sales
Truffle Mass in the Cathedral of Uzès
Guided Tours
Conferences
Truffle trails by Bicycle
Scrubland walking tours
Wine tastings and pairings
Art exhibitions
To visit throughout the year: Les Truffières D’Uzès
http://www.lestruffieresduzes.fr
Truffle hunt experience
Tastings
Shop
STAY AT LA FLÂNERIE
Historic Stone Sanctuary 15km from the fashionable market town of Uzès in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
Recently renovated self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a traditional 17th c. Provençal village house.
• PERFECT FOR COUPLES
• A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE SOLOS
• STYLISH BOLT-HOLE
• Gastronome DESTiNATION
• SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
STAY AT LA FLÂNERIE
Historic Stone Sanctuary 15km from the fashionable market town of Uzès in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
Recently renovated self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a traditional 17th c. Provençal village house.
• PERFECT FOR COUPLES
• A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE SOLOS
• STYLISH BOLT-HOLE
• FOODIE DESTINATION
• SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Fig-tastic Delights: Exploring the Irresistible Figs of Vézénobres
The Fig Museum
This July 3rd, the fig museum was inaugurated in Vézénobres in The Gard. In the heart of the old castle Girard, a 200 m2 space traces the local history of this emblematic fruit of the territory.
In the Middle Ages, the economy of the city of Vézénobres is essentially based on the production of dried figs. Even today, vestiges of this commercial era are visible in the alleys. These are the calaberts, terraces covered and vaulted, exposed to the south, which served to dry the fig.
A forgotten time, the past fig of Vézénobres resurfaced in the 2000s with the creation of the conservatory. On two hectares, an orchard of a thousand trees includes a hundred species. This collection is the result of duplication of the National Botanical Conservatory of Porquerolles.
This medieval and fig tree heritage makes Vézénobres one of the emblematic corners of the territory which contributed to obtain a new regional label. The Cevennes have just been classified Grand Site of Occitanie.
STAY AT LA FLÂNERIE
Historic Stone Sanctuary 15km from the fashionable market town of Uzès in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
Recently renovated self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a traditional 17th c. Provençal village house.
• PERFECT FOR COUPLES
• A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE SOLOS
• STYLISH BOLT-HOLE
• FOODIE DESTINATION
• SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Every year in October the spectacularly-located town of Anduze - known for its sumptuous glazed plant pots - pays homage to the symbolic tree of the Cévennes: the chestnut tree.
The heart of the town is transformed into a huge market of flavours with many activities focusing on the old chestnut.
Known in times past as paraldon, pélardou, and even péraudou, this traditional delicacy bears testament to the time-honored art of cheese-making, crafted with nothing but the purest goat's milk.
With its modest round form, Pélardon presents itself as a soft-ripened wonder, its pristine exterior adorned by a delicate coat of white mold, affectionately termed "à pâte molle à croûte fleurie."
Its character, captured within a mere 60 grams, boasts a gentle diameter of 60–70 mm and a graceful height ranging between 22–27 mm, inviting culinary intrigue.
In homage to its distinguished heritage, Pélardon received the revered Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status in 2000, a tribute to its profound connection to the terroir and tradition of this cherished land.
Welcome to our wine-growing region! Tasting a glass of wine in the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard is an integral part of local life, a moment of conviviality. Enjoy fine wines with gourmet menus or table wines with a picnic. Discover the stories behind AOP Duché d'Uzès and more with guided tours and tastings. Immerse yourself in a wine lover's paradise.
Photo by James & Carol Lee
Photo by Joanna Kosinska
Photo by Charlotte Coneybeer
Honey is one of the most beloved natural sweeteners in the world.
With its unique flavour and health benefits, it's no wonder that people have been harvesting honey for thousands of years.
Since the Roman era, Southern France has been known for its natural resources and fertile land, which made it a prime location for agriculture and farming. The Romans established settlements in the area and cultivated crops such as olives, grapes, and wheat.
Honey was also a prized commodity during Roman times, both for its sweet taste and medicinal properties.
One particular type of honey well worth trying is honey from the Garrigue.
The Garrigue is a Mediterranean ecosystem in Southern France, characterised by rocky terrain, wild herbs, and low shrubs. The herbs and flowers that grow in the Garrigue give honey from this region a distinct flavor profile that is different from other types of honey.
Garrigue honey is known for its earthy, herbaceous taste with hints of thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
Its unique flavour profile makes Garrigue honey a really versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. It pairs well with cheeses, meats, and vegetables and can be used as a glaze, marinade, or topping.
Other popular local honeys include Lavender Honey and Chestnut Honey.
Honey for sale at Uzès Market | Les Miels d'Uzès Famille BOILEAU maison fondée en 1964
Local Terroir
