Chestnut of Ardèche
Fruit of our mountains that has nourished the people of Ardèche for centuries, the delicious fresh chestnut delights with its flavorful palette.
Since the 13th century, the cultivation of chestnuts, or “castaniculture,” has been perfected to select the most resistant and flavorful varieties. Also known as the “bread tree,” the chestnut tree and its fruit serve as the foundation for the sustenance of people in many forms.
Miracle fruit!
A gustative Swiss army knife
The chestnut is an ultra-versatile fruit! It adapts and transforms itself: whether as candied chestnuts (since the 17th century), as flour (gluten-free!) for making delicious cakes, breads, or through the essential “Coupe Ardéchoise” with chestnut cream accompanied by vanilla ice cream.
A delicious tradition
The gourmet rendezvous
The Chestnut Festivals, or “Castagnades,” are a must in Ardèche!
It’s the perfect opportunity to combine indulgence and discovery of chestnuts in all their forms: roasted, as flour, in cakes, jams, or even syrup!
Our producers and artisans are on-site with their delicious local products to taste, along with plenty of entertainment…
Everything, everything, everything, you will know everything about the chestnut…
An ancestral treat
The oldest known fossilized chestnut in Europe was discovered in an ancient volcanic crater lake in 1994 by the Ardèche paleontologist Bernard Riou. It dates back to the Upper Miocene, around 8 million years ago. It is exhibited along with chestnut leaves from the same period at the Ardèche Museum in Balazuc.
A true heroine!
Did you know that it single-handedly saved the entire Ardèche from famine in the 19th century? That’s why the chestnut tree is nicknamed the “bread tree” because its fruit was the key ingredient in bread, flour, and other dishes. The tree provided litter, fodder, firewood, as well as wood for construction, tannin for textile dyes… in short, a real superhero, this chestnut tree!
Meeting of enthusiasts
Frédéric and Michèle are chestnut growers at Ferme du Chey in Mayres. We went to meet them to discover their magnificent 3.5-hectare chestnut grove.
Throughout the year, they offer public tours of their farm in addition to their production activities and unique accommodations: the yurt on-site provides a night in a unique setting!
Chestnut Festival atmosphere
Let’s take you on a tour to Jaujac for the 2022 edition of Castagnades, organized by the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d’Ardèche: a pure moment of conviviality to celebrate chestnuts and autumn!
Hollowed out, peeled, then cooked and roasted, or even in pancakes, don’t miss your tasting of this Cévennes delicacy on the spot…
