Autumn is enchanting in Provence as the summer sun starts to soften and the region becomes slower, more relaxed. Olive groves are brimming with fruit and the smell of truffles start to work their way up from the forest floor. If you are seeking a sensory and authentic Provencal experience, autumn is a rewarding time of year to visit.
Truffle Hunting
From late October and throughout winter is the famous black truffle season in Provence. Known as “black diamonds,” these truffles grow under oak and hazelnut trees, revealed by trained dogs, sometimes trained pigs. Truffle hunting takes place in the early mornings and is an intimate and cultural experience.
Visitors are welcomed to the woodlands at dawn, as the dogs set off to work, turning the forest into a treasure hunt. The dogs will gently paw the earth, signalling their find. Many of the truffieres offer post-hunt tastings, where you can try shaved truffles with fresh bread, and olive oil. It is an unforgettable, simple, and yet very satisfying experience.
You can also head to the truffle markets in Carpentras, Richerenches, and Uzes during November, when they are lively, but not overcrowded. Here you will find truffle growers who share stories of their harvesting traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Olive Harvests
Provence becomes alive with olive harvest season during autumn. From late October and through to December, families are gathering hand-picked olives from centuries-old trees, creating the finest olive oil in France, known as “liquid gold.”
As a visitor to the region, you have the opportunity to join a harvest workshop. These workshops teach you how to gently remove the olives from the branches and sort them before they are taken to the mill. You also have an opportunity to experience the pressing process, as the olives are pressed into a bright green oil.
You can head to Nyons, the Luberon region, and Les Baux-de-Provence where olive mills offer visitors the chance to taste early-harvest olive oils. You learn the importance of AOP, discovering how to pair different olive oils with different Provencal dishes.
Cooking by the Fire
Autumn evenings are cooler with Provencal residents turning to slow and hearty dishes. Kitchens are alive with stews and roast meats, while fireplaces become a top choice, after being left dormant during the hot summer months.
Cooking classes during autumn take place in your rental home or a workshop kitchen, where you can gather around a kitchen island or table and learn the local how to prepare and make braised lamb shoulder with local Provencal herbs, chestnut tarts, and truffle-infused dishes.
The majority of cooking classes in Provence start with a visit to the local market, where you can select your fresh ingredients, from squash and hazelnuts to fresh cheeses. You can request your private chef to provide you with a fire-side experience, where you can learn how to prepare and make the dish, ending your class with a local wine in hand, as your private chef offers you the finest chef to table experience.
Conclusion
Autumn is a great time to visit Provence. It’s quieter without the tourist rush, it’s colourful, and the food is rich. The region is brimming with age-old traditions to experience from hunting for truffles with a local farmer, to tasting new olive oils, or enjoying a fire-side meal. Autumn is a feast for your senses and a great way to enjoy this time of year in Provence is to contact Cooking Classes in Provence. We provide hands-on, private cooking classes in the comfort of your holiday home or workshop kitchen, an authentic experience that you will cherish for years to come. Contact Cooking Classes in Provence today to find out more.
