Attention – the truffle season is starting in the south of France, and continues until March. Truffles are underground mushrooms that grow around the roots of various plants, including oak trees, and sometimes lavender and thyme, and it is very big business, especially in the Provence / Cote d’Azur region, where most of France’s truffle production occurs. (I have to admit that I have never yet sampled a truffle, but am fascinated by the idea – apparently in 2006 £165,000 was paid for a white truffle weighing 1.5kg, presumably they must taste wonderful!)
Some truffles grow wild, and are hunted out by specially trained pigs or dogs, and some are cultivated – the cultivation of truffles is expanding greatly, and large numbers of truffle-friendly trees have been planted in south east France since the 1990s.
The famous truffle market at Le Rouret near Grasse is held on January 10th 2010, and it is rumoured that it may be possible to visit the experimental Black Truffle Farm (Champ d’Essai Trufficole) during the local truffle festival in January, although the whole operation is shrouded in secrecy.
Of course Provence and the Cote d’Azur have lots to offer besides truffles, sea, sun, superb countryside and an abundance of gastronomic delights which won’t break the bank! Visit our website to browse through some fabulous holiday homes in the Provence / Cote d’Azur region of France….
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