The weather just keeps getting warmer & sunnier!
Today we arrived in Viviers as we were having breakfast around 7.30am. Our tour was of truffle farm & the nearby historic town of Grignan.
We left on a coach at 9am with first stop the truffle farm (trying to recall the name) just near Grignan. This is a family owned business & they produce 2 types of truffle, the black which is harvested from November to March & the white, known as the Summer truffle. The black sells for as much as 2,000 euro/kg.
No these are not what you think! They are all truffles.
We were instructed on the methods of producing the best truffles, oak trees up to 50yrs old produce the largest & best quality so they keep replacing the trees.
Next we were taken out onto the farm with Emmie (the truffle finding dog) and given a demonstration of the process.
She smells the truffle (approx 6 inches underground) & begins digging
When she finds it she is instructed to bring it to her owner
We were given so much information and entertained by this lovely French gentleman. He did not speak good english so our local guide interpreted. Was very funny!
The group were then given wine & several different truffle snacks. My favourite was the truffle butter on little croutons. They also had truffle in oil, a truffle pate & truffle & olive paste. It was the first time I have really tasted fresh truffle & it was delicious! A wonderful tour enjoyed by all.
Next stop the town of Grignan, another ancient village built in the 15th century
There was an art sale in the car park & we spotted som "interesting pieces"
Some photos taken around Grignan:
Must run ... more later!
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