While the ancestral “Ban des Vendanges”, is the administrative permission that announces the start of the grape harvest, the “Ban des Truffes” marks the official opening of the Richerenches truffle market, the largest national black truffle market, which celebrates its 100th anniversary on Saturday 2 December 2023!
On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December 2023
History buffs flock to the little village of Richerenches, located at the heart of a curious Vaucluse area tucked away in the neighbouring Drôme département, where they enjoy exploring the wonderful ruins of one of the first Knights Templar commandery in Provence (1136).
But the village is also familiar to those who appreciate fine food, as the best truffles in the region are sold at its weekly winter market.
Over the years since 1923, the market has become one of the largest truffle markets in Europe, and it is said that 700 kg of truffles are sold each Saturday morning in the height of the season (January-February). The truffles are sold directly out of car boots to brokers who come from all over France. Young mycorrhizal trees can also be bought there, along with truffle-flavoured olive oil or other products made using the precious mushroom, the aromas of which waft through the narrow streets of the village.
On 2 and 3 December 2023, the village will celebrate the 100th season of this gourmet market during a festive weekend. The programme features great chefs being inducted into the Confrérie du Diamant Noir et de la Gastronomie – the black truffle society –, a village of chefs serving up truffle dishes, wine tastings by local winemakers, truffle-hunting demonstrations with truffle-hunting dogs, conferences, menus featuring truffles in the village restaurants, an arts and crafts market…
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a head start on celebrating Christmas and find some great Christmas presents for the food lovers in your life!
©Kessler