The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!

Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Lac St Croix and the stunning Gorges du Verdon. The other big draw is the Aups Summer Truffle Festival. This food lover festival highlights the significance of truffles in Provencal cuisine and culture.

Winter and Summer Truffles

Searching for and finding Tuber Melanosporum (black truffles) requires a combination of well-trained animals and locals’ knowledge of the terroir. Its rarity and distinctive earthy aroma make the black truffle the equivalent of culinary gold for many chefs.

In France, the black diamond (diamant noir) has been considered a luxury gourmet ingredient since the 18th century, thanks to King Francois 1er insisted that truffles be served in his court at every meal! The King enjoyed the Périgord Noir truffle from Provence and the region of Périgord in southwest France. France is the world leader in the truffle market share, roughly 45%, of which 80% comes from the Vaucluse.

The typical period for harvesting black truffles is from November through early March. Demand generally, peaks around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. However, some food lovers claim that the tastiest truffles appear in the first part of the year. Like any other commodity, market pricing varies. Good quality truffles can command wholesale prices between 400-1000 €/kilogram, and retail buyers should expect to pay two or three times that number. With the prospect of those returns, it’s easy to understand why truffle hunters guard their supply locations as a secret.

©Francois de Melogue

In recent years, the summer truffle (Tuber Aestivum) has become more readily available in Provencal markets from May through October. Sometimes called the Burgundy truffle, this variety is mild and only lightly scented and sells for about half the price (200-500 €/kilogram) of a black winter truffle.

Guide to Truffle Markets in Provence

Aups Village ©MirabeauWine

Summer Truffle Festival in Aups

The Aups Summer Truffle Festival (Fête de la Truffle d’été d’Aups) features events and activities celebrating the culinary world’s “black diamond.” The festival takes place on July 21, 2025, and there is plenty to do during your visit, including some of the following activities:

• Take part in a truffle hunt: Join the local truffle hunters and their dogs in the oak forests near Aups as they search for the elusive fungi.
• Visit the museum: Maison de la Truffe offers free visits during the festival.
• Go to church: Attend the Truffle mass and blessing of the truffle growers and their dogs at the Collégiale Saint Pancrace.
• Savour gourmet creations: During the Aups festival, chefs prepare truffle-infused dishes, showcasing their recipes that highlight these delicacies. Local restaurants feature truffle menus.
• Shop the market stalls: Aups has one of the larger markets in the area, so a visit is always a treat for food lovers. During the Summer Truffle Festival, vendors at the Marché du Terroir display various gourmet products, and local farmers sell truffles directly to buyers.

Truffle Festival Practical Information

Aups Summer Truffle Festival/ Fête de la Truffle d’été d’Aups
July 21, 2025 17h to 23h
Please note that some events, such as culinary demonstrations, require advanced booking.

Office de Tourisme – Aups (website)
Place Martin Bidouré
83630 Aups
Closed on Sundays

Recipes with Black Truffles

Chicken with Truffles and Mushrooms

Truffles are a unique, rich component that can elevate any dish. This recipe is a surefire way to impress with a meal that tastes like it's straight out of a 5-star kitchen.

Check out this recipe

Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs (Brouillade aux Truffes)

The hardest part of this recipe might be getting your hands on some fresh black truffles. Sophie used the traditional bain-marie method for super creamy and fluffy scrambled eggs.

Check out this recipe

Spaghetti with Eggs and Truffles (Lu Spaghetti a L'Ou)

Truffles are an excellent addition to just about everything. Their earthy flavours marry perfectly with rich, creamy dishes. The pasta recipe comes from disgraced former Nice mayor Jacques Medecin. I may have forgotten the scandals embroiled his career, but I remember his wonderful cookbook celebrating Nicoise cuisine. So I modified the recipe slightly from Jacques Medecin's original.

Check out this recipe

Mushroom and Black Truffle Omelette

Delicious and easy a quick lunchtime meal or light dinner.

Check out this recipe

Risotto with Black Truffles

Risotto is a terrific dinner party dish, easy to prepare in front of your guests while they drink a cocktail.

Check out this recipe

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).