The Truffle Markets in Provence – Planning Your Visit and Recipes

Truffle Markets

It is more common to see summer truffles in the markets than in the past. However, this summer tuber may be related to the “Black Diamond,” but the taste is certainly not as distinctive. There is also a significant price differential between the summer and winter varieties. In peak months, the black truffle will command about 10 times the price (per kilo) compared to summer truffles.

In Provence, the black truffle is typically harvested between November and early March. During these months, you will find weekly truffle markets in the following locations, but go early…

MONDAYS
Chamaret

TUESDAYS
Vaison la Romaine
Grignan
St Paul Trois Châteaux

WEDNESDAYS
Valréas

THURSDAYS
Nyons

FRIDAYS
Carpentras
Suze la Rousse

SATURDAYS
Apt
Richerenches

Truffles and Religion

If you are visiting Provence in January, plan to attend the Messe des Truffes, in Richerenches. The truffle-centric festivities occur on the third Sunday of the month, which also happens to be the Fete de Saint Antoine. The festival has been running for over two decades; it includes a blessing of truffles in l’Église Saint-Denis. The church service gets started a little after 10 am, but don’t count on snagging a place inside. The village installs a video screen (outside), for the standing-room-only crowd.

Following the religious part is a public auction of the truffles offered by the rabissers (truffle farmers), in lieu of communion, to the church. The Confrérie du Diamant Noir et de la Gastronomie – an association of 300+ people passionate about both black truffles and related gastronomy – presides over the auction. The Church is the recipient of the funds raised during the bidding.

Once the formal part of the day is over, it’s time for a truffle-themed lunch and a glass of local wine.

Here, is a video clip of the festivities.

Hunting for Truffles

Les Pastras Gourmet Pursuits Unearthing Truffles

Truffle Dogs in Provence

Recipes with Truffles

Black Truffle Risotto by Mas d’Augustine

Chicken and Truffles by Cocoa & Lavender

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).