Français
Deutsch
NederlandsThe Joy of Strolling Through the Ardèche Hermitage Markets
Wander with the breeze on your face—an indulgent stroll among colorful market stalls, where you can savor delicious products and chat with friendly vendors. A warm and welcoming atmosphere, where locals greet one another and exchange the latest news. Taking your time is part of the charm—a must for food lovers and an essential part of any gourmet day. Early risers might spot local chefs, rushing to craft their “market-fresh” menus. Later in the morning, the market comes alive! What a pleasure to buy fresh, local produce: seasonal fruits and vegetables, goat cheeses like picodon and caillé-doux, godiveaux (local chipolata-style sausages), and many other regional specialties. Generous tastings awaken your appetite, and there's a holiday feel in the air. To prolong the moment, enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine at one of the nearby cafés. Market days in Ardèche Hermitage: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Market Days
On Saturday mornings, the towns of Tournon andTain l’Hermitage,come alive with the bustle of farmers’ markets and a lively street market. On Mondays, head to Saint-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse, birthplace of the black truffle from the Drôme des Collines and the famous pogne (a local brioche). After your gourmet stroll, take time to visit the historic Palais Delphinal. Fridays take you to Saint-Félicien, in the heart of green Ardèche, where the market thrives with many vendors, especially in summer. A friendly, lively moment to enjoy without moderation. You can extend your gourmet morning with a hike or a cycling tour. Couldn’t make it on a Friday? No worries—you get a second chance on Sunday!
Hop aboard the Market Train!
Lamastre, located 30 km from Tournon, hosts one of the most beautiful markets in the department during the summer season. The Train de l’Ardèche offers a delicious journey to this famous market. On Tuesday mornings, depart from the Tournon-sur-Rhône / Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station heading to Lamastre (Departure: 8:30 am – Return: 1:40 pm). Enjoy a scenic ride along the Gorges du Doux, following the river, pulled by a diesel locomotive. Arriving in Lamastre around 10:00 am, it’s time to browse the many market stalls and pick up a few treats. The return trip departs at 12:15 pm, with arrival back in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols at 1:40 pm.
Our tip: Bring a few snacks to enjoy during the ride!
Gourmet Tables with a "Maître Restaurateur"
Eating well and eating right – that’s the promise of the Maîtres Restaurateurs. This national label*, officially recognized and regulated by the French government, guarantees you a meal made with fresh, high-quality ingredients! Across the Ardèche Hermitage region, 5 restaurateurs proudly display the Maître Restaurateur plaque : Auberge monnet , , , et . It’s a sincere commitment to offering homemade cuisine crafted by passionate chefs who highlight the rich flavors of the local terroir. The Ardèche Hermitage area is a treasure trove of tastes – an endless source of inspiration for chefs. Whether you're craving traditional, creative, gourmet, or local cuisine, you’re sure to find a restaurant that suits your palate. Take time to enjoy a delicious lunch break: a warm welcome, beautifully plated dishes, and delightful flavors await you. Bon appétit !
The title of Maître Restaurateur* is the only official title awarded by the French State for the restaurant industry. It is granted to professional restaurateurs with proven experience. The title reflects a strong commitment to cooking done entirely in-house, using the highest quality products, often sourced through short supply chains.
La Cité du Chocolat, une expérience immersive dans l’univers Valrhona
Located in Tain-l’Hermitage, along the legendary "Nationale 7" road, the Cité du Chocolat spans 2,000 m² of sweetness: two floors entirely dedicated to chocolate, a must-see on your gourmet journey through Ardèche Hermitage. From the plantations to the factory, and from the cocoa pod to the famous square of chocolate, this tasty voyage will enchant both children and adults alike. A surprising discovery that will change the way you see chocolate. The sensory space, recipe corner, cocoa plantations, chocolate factory, and the world of chefs... a multi-sensory experience that will awaken your taste buds, and much more! Your sense of smell, touch, and even hearing will be put to the test. Did you know you can recognize the quality of a piece of chocolate by the sound it makes when it snaps? Learn to discover the flavors, and you'll see that the concepts of "terroir" and "tannins" are not just for the world of wine. Between 15 and 20 tastings will delight all chocolate lovers.
You can also treat yourself at the restaurant area, Le Comptoir Porcelana, where the chocolatey touch is sure to win you over! A unique and astonishing culinary experience, featuring a chocolate-infused meal from appetizer to dessert.
Chocolate lover? For the full experience, book a "Chocolate Day": a tour of the Cité, lunch at Le Comptoir Porcelana, and a pastry workshop for a fun and delicious experience alongside the pastry chefs of Maison Valrhona.
La Maison Ronjat: Discovering the Pogne
Pogne is a brioche flavored with orange blossom, a local specialty dating back to the Middle Ages, and a must-try during your gourmet day in Ardèche Hermitage.Located in Saint-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse, La Maison Ronjat,is a renowned place of indulgence, offering one of the region’s finest Pognes. This family bakery, with eight generations of bakers passing down closely guarded recipes since the 18th century, is the oldest bakery in the region. Their Pogne, patented as the “Donatienne” (named after Saint-Donat) since 1910, is a unique recipe, less famous than the well-known Pogne de Romans, but a must-taste for any true foodie. This crown-shaped brioche, made from a leavened dough of flour, eggs, and butter, is delicately scented with orange blossom. Ideal for an afternoon snack, it offers a delicious journey into the flavors of the South of France.
Attend a truffle hunt in winter, stroll through blooming orchards in spring, enjoy vibrant summer markets, and discover the grape harvest in autumn — throughout the seasons, our suggestions for a perfect gourmet day evolve. The richness of our terroir never ceases to surprise and delight. A true paradise for food lovers, ready to be savored year-round! See you soon in this Gourmet Eldorado!
