When summer ends and the seasons change, most of us are thinking of Halloween, Christmas & New Year… but here in the region, we are entering a unique and special season, with its aromatic scents wafting through the air tantalizing even the novices among us... yes, it's almost Truffle season... and my goodness, how good it is...

In France, the Verdon region in the Haut Var is recognized as the favorite territory of the Black Truffle (or Tuber melanosporum), and Aups (where we are located) is the truffle capital of Var. Our beautiful region, with its medium altitude, its hot and dry climate, and its shallow limestone soil, naturally grows beautiful truffles and has become the favorite of all lovers of gastronomy.

This "Diamant noir " of French cuisine has not ceased to fuel all sorts of myths and legends since its discovery. Its origin is difficult to date and locate, which certainly contributes to the mystery that inhabits it. Some claim it was first discovered in ancient Egypt, while others locate it in Rome or ancient Greece.

Be that as it may, the "Diamant noir " became a luxury product under Louis XIV at the end of the 17th century, and was marketed as such from the 18th century. From this moment and throughout the season, French truffles will be consumed in large quantities both in France and globally. It will be present at all meals, with the black truffle having its titles of nobility.

Their exclusive gourmet status was firmly established in the 19th century when the French author Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, in his famous work "Physiology of Taste", called the black truffle "the very diamond of gastronomy". From there was born the expression "the Black Diamond ", with a black truffle, which as for the precious stones, captivates the greatest chefs of the whole world for its rarity and its culinary qualities, while seducing all those who have the chance to savor them.

And from this was born the idea to call our gîte, the 'Gîte du Diamant Noir' , a perfect tribute to this exceptional dish of which Aups is the capital...

So are you wondering how you too can enjoy this culinary delight?

From the end of November, Aups hosts a weekly black truffle market on Thursday mornings (in addition to the Provençal markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings). This unique market is dedicated to the sale of black truffles, it is not uncommon to come across renowned chefs, experts, and enthusiasts. But this market is also open to us all, lovers of gastronomy or simply those of us curious about the fervor generated by this culinary diamond...

This year, le Marché aux Truffes noires d'Aups (Place Frédéric Mistral) will be held from 24/11/2022 to 28/03/2023 (depending on the offer, the specialists inform us)...

You can also enjoy the wonderful"Fête de la Truffe"  on January 22, 2023, an event day celebrating everything related to the black truffle. From how it is grown and found (with many demonstrations), from its tasting with many food trucks offering different cuisines (sweet and savory with truffles) each more delicious than the other. Our mouths are already watering...and we're sure you are too.

If you would like to enjoy this special season yourself we are offering long weekends promotions for the truffle season, in order to take advantage of the markets, restaurants, and local visits of the many villages of character or the many natural beauties of the region… not forgetting the special weekend in January for the “Fête de la Truffe”…

If you would like to take the opportunity to spend a long, eclectic weekend in terms of flavors and discoveries, all in a relaxing and comfortable setting, we advise some of the following choices:

• Restaurants offering authentic truffle specialties from our beautiful region (only a few are really specialized)
• Visits to Provençal villages or exceptional natural sites
• Visits wineries and olive-growing estates
• Visit the 'Maison de la Truffe' Aups and Verdon