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The Opening of the Truffle Season
The most secretive of mushrooms requires very specific conditions to reveal all its mysteries. It is at the foot of an oak tree that the Black Diamond reaches maturity in a close and delicate union. The truffle grower, often accompanied by his faithful truffle-hunting dog, takes over from there, carefully unearthing the truffles during a short harvest period.
The Black Truffle of the Drôme des Collines, also known as Tuber Melanosporum, is harvested during a very specific season — four and a half months, from mid-November to the end of March.
Participez aux festivités de l'ouverture de la saison de la truffe le : date 2025 non communiqué.
Au programme: Messe des truficulteurs à l'eglise de Hauterives, marché aux truffes, repas truffés, découverte de la confrérie. C’est pendant cette période que la star de la saison hivernale est à son apogée. La Truffe Noire de la Drôme des Collines se mérite, c’est avec patience et passion que le trufficulteur cherchera avec délicatesse ce précieux mets réputé pour ses grandes valeurs culinaires.
The Opening of the Black Truffle Season in the Drôme des Collines is Almost Here, the Harvest is About to Begin. It’s not quite there yet, as it still lacks its beautiful black color, the one that earned it the nickname "The Black Diamond." Patience! It will soon reveal all its character. Such a gastronomic treasure is earned, and the unpredictable weather of recent months is surely a factor.
Every season, the soil must be carefully tended, and irrigation closely monitored. It’s important to note that the first truffles rarely appear before the 10th year after planting a truffle oak. The truffle is demanding and needs a lot of water: with the summer drought, truffle growers have nurtured their crops by watering their oaks, and the recent rain should provide this culinary treasure with all the nutrients it needs.
So, will 2025/2026 be "a truffle year"? On the occasion of the opening of the Black Truffle season in the Drôme des Collines, the truffle growers seemed cautiously optimistic. What we already know for sure is that the Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines promises to be just as flavorful and aromatic as ever, perfect for enhancing our festive dishes.
The Drôme is the leading Department for Truffle production
The Black Truffle is renowned for its enchanting and wild aroma. This special mushroom requires an exceptional terroir to thrive. Each year, no fewer than 20 tons of Black Truffles are harvested in the Drôme, making it the leading truffle-producing department. The Drôme des Collines comes in second, just behind Tricastin, thanks to the famous Black Truffle of the Drôme des Collines, which has nothing to envy of its neighbor.
The climate of the Drôme des Collines is particularly favorable for the growth of the Black Truffle: sandy soil and light molasses create the perfect environment for this mushroom to form. The Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines will then develop a beautiful roundness, which gives it its distinct reputation and sets it apart from the truffles of the southern Drôme.
The Truffle in Drôme des Collines
The production of the Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines amounts to around 7 tons of truffles per year, spread across 1,400 hectares of plantations.
The Confrérie de la Truffe Noire de la Drôme des Collines was founded in 2007 by truffle growers passionate about the Black Diamond. Its mission is to promote the Black Truffle through events in France and even abroad. For technical matters, it works alongside the Syndicat des Trufficulteurs de la Drôme des Collines. These specialists and dedicated defenders of the Black Truffle have taken steps to obtain a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) to continue enhancing the value of this exceptional product.
The Price of Truffles
The Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines is a precious product, part of the gastronomic heritage of the region. Due to all its qualities, its price can be quite high. It is determined by several factors such as the species of truffle, the market demand, and the volume of production. Truffles are always priced by the kilogram, which can result in substantial sums for consumers. However, it's important to note that the Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines has intense aromas, and just a few grams—about 5 to 7 grams per person per dish, according to experts—are enough to flavor your meals. So why not indulge in a small amount that won’t compromise its flavor quality and will fit most budgets? The Black Truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) is priced between 500 to 1,000 euros per kilogram at the peak of the season. Truffle lovers typically purchase it in the first two weeks of January, as the price tends to drop, and the Black Diamond reaches its peak maturity.
Where to buy the Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines ?
As part of its promotional role, the Confrérie de la Truffe Noire de la Drôme des Collines connects truffle growers with truffle enthusiasts in search of the famous Black Diamond.
You can visit the Truffière de La Baume Sainte Antoine just 5 minutes from Romans. Their shop is open throughout the truffle season (from mid-November to the end of March).
Another must-attend event is the Marché aux truffes et aux fines volailles (Truffle and Fine Poultry Market) held on the Sunday before Christmas. It's the perfect place to buy truffles and fill your basket with delicious local products. You’ll find everything you need for your festive meals at the Espace des Collines in Saint Donat on that day.
Les activités autour de la Truffe
Avant que les truffes atterrissent dans vos assiettes pour la dégustation, le trufficulteur avec passion passe du temps le plus souvent avec son chien à faire le tour de ses plantations de chênes truffiers. Des activités se développent pour partager le travail du trufficulteur et bien sûr déguster. N’attendez plus pour réserver pour les prochaines animations.
Easy Buggy
Les buggys de Bren vous propose à nouveau la formule truffe. Au programme : Partez au volant d'un buggy haut de gamme tout confort et facile à prendre en main à la découverte des jolis paysages de Drôme des collines et à la rencontre d'un trufficulteur local. Celui-ci vous emmènera dans sa truffière pour rechercher les truffes avec son chien. Un Moment ludique et une réelle découverte de cet univers atypique, souvent méconnu mais passionnant. En fin de balade, une dégustation de son beurre truffé vous sera proposée, ainsi qu'un verre de vin blanc ou de jus de fruits local et la possibilité bien sûr d’acheter vos truffes.
Contactez Easy Buggy, 3 dates sont à venir en janvier et février.
Pour vous faire plaisir ou pour une idée de cadeau pour Noel.
Days to Discover the Black Truffle of the Drôme des Collines
La Baume Saint Antoine
Come and discover the truffle directly from the producer at La Baume Saint Antoine in Romans, just a few kilometers from Saint Donat. Franck and Karine warmly welcome you to their farm inn, where they share the history of their farm, explain the cultivation of truffles, and take you along for a truffle hunting session in their truffières (truffle fields). The day ends on a high note with a delicious truffle-themed meal at the inn. It’s a 100% truffle and gourmet experience, offering a true immersion into the world of truffles, from the earth to the table. Perfect for those looking to learn more about this exceptional product while enjoying it in the most authentic way !
Where to Taste Truffles in Ardèche Hermitage
The Drôme is the leading department for truffle production, a real boon for chefs who have the expertise and access to this exceptional ingredient, allowing them to offer gastronomic enthusiasts exquisite and refined dishes. The Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines will make your taste buds tingle, featured in classic dishes like truffle scrambled eggs, truffle-infused duck foie gras, as well as in more sophisticated dishes that let the Black Diamond shine in all its glory.
La Maison Chabran
La Grande Table Michel Chabran is one of the must-visit spots for tasting Drôme truffles. A staunch defender of high-quality and authentic products, Michelin-starred chef Michel Chabran prepares the Black Diamond to perfection. His signature dishes include truffle-infused crushed pommes de terre rattes (French fingerling potatoes) from the Drôme, and scallop and truffle risotto, elegantly topped with truffle slices.
Le restaurant Chartron
Bruno Chartron, now joined by his son Mathieu, has made truffles the specialty of their family-run restaurant. Lovers of the Black Truffle from the Drôme des Collines will enjoy the "Diamant Noir" or "Trésor du Chêne" menus, designed to showcase this prized ingredient. For those looking to delve deeper into the world of truffles, they also offer the "From Truffière to Plate" experience. Whether for a day or a weekend, this package allows you to explore the Black Truffle of the Drôme des Collines alongside the chef in the truffle fields, followed by a delicious tasting menu at the Chartron restaurant. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the entire truffle journey, from harvest to plate !
La Fabrique givrée et sa glace à la truffe
À l’ouverture de la saison de la truffe, la Fabrique Givrée, glacier fabricant, située à Tournon sur Rhône, propose une version givrée de la tuber Melanosporum , une autre façon originale de déguster la Truffe Noire.
Des adresses indispensables pour les amateurs de terroir et d’excellence.
Les fêtes de fin d’année, c’est l’occasion de se réunir en famille ou entre amis autour d’une grande tablée pour déguster les délicieux produits du terroir que le territoire Ardèche Hermitage nous offre. En attendant Noël, l’Office de Tourisme Ardèche Hermitage et ses partenaires vous gâtent : participez dès le 1 Décembre au Grand Jeu du Calendrier de l’Avent sur nos pages Facebook et Instagram.
Must-Visit addresses for lovers of exceptional local produce !
With the holiday season approaching, it's the perfect time to share and savor the delicious regional products offered by the Ardèche Hermitage territory. Whether you're looking for truffles, fine wines, or other local delicacies, the area is filled with places where you can taste the very best of the terroir. From cozy restaurants serving dishes crafted with local ingredients to artisanal shops offering unique specialties, the Ardèche Hermitage region has everything you need to make your festive meals truly special. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these hidden gems and treat yourself and your loved ones to the rich flavors of the region.
