Gourmet products local specialties and wines Ardèche

Particularly picturesque thanks to its picture-postcard setting at the foot of the castle, the Aubenas market is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful in France. Every Saturday morning, stalls fill the streets of the old town. The scent of Provence and the Cévennes, with local produce all lined up. In summer, there's a night market every Wednesday from 6 p.m. in the historic center. In addition, numerous fairs punctuate the year, often with medieval origins: Foire aux colains, Foire de la Saint-Antoine, Foire aux chevaux...

The castle, located on the banks of the Chassezac, the main tributary of the Ardèche, will become a farm in the midst of a strong house and then a hunting relay of an illustrious family of Vivarais. Today led by Benoît and Florence Chazallon, the estate of 40 hectares, planted with 5 different varieties, in red, grenache, syrah, cinsault and cabernet sauvignon and, in white, viognite, is grown in organic, with Ecocert certification in 2008. A rosé is vinified in each range, the Audacious, I.G.P. Coteaux of Ardèche, direct pressing, syrah 50% syrah, 35% grenache, 10% cinsault and 5% viognite, I.G.P. Coteaux de l 'Ardèche, direct pressuring, 50% grenache, 30% cinsault, 20% syrah and a viognite tear, in that of the classics. Today six Gîtes de France, from 3 to 6 people, housed in a wing of the castle, in the middle of a large tree park, offer a haven of peace in the heart of the tourist Ardèche.

On the right bank of the Rhône, in the terraced territory of the prestigious AOP saint-joseph, this cooperative winery has been one of the great winegrowers since 1960. Its wines are made from Syrah grapes for reds, and Marsanne and Roussanne for whites. They also produce AOP Condrieu and Côtes-du-Rhône, and Vins de Pays d'Ardèche. After a fine tasting and educational tours of the vineyard and wine, and even of local biodiversity, follow the Domaine Rochevine discovery trail, 3 km up the hillside for total immersion and a panoramic view.

You're sure to recognize the brand's friendly little PDO chestnut man, who single-handedly symbolizes the very best of the Ardèche region. Clément Faugier turns 140 in 2022! The range has expanded over the years, with crème de marrons, launched in 1885 to recover the marrons glacés broken off during production, and marrons au cognac, created in 1924 for the American market. All the iconic products can be found in this factory outlet, where everyone can enjoy a real treat.

1,200 references await you. The La Balthazar cellar has become an essential event if you pass through Tournon. Many magnums are offered. Above all, thanks to the long experience of an experienced sommelier, its know-how, you will be advised in a personalized way both on the selection of wines and spirits. Eight winemakers, recognized for the very high quality of their wine production, only ask to be recognized by your palace. You can then choose between wines, champagnes, rheus and best whiskies for connoisseurs. It is therefore preferable to provide a good parking space, just opposite, to reserve the time needed for a real tasting.

Recently, a site has been put in place to allow visibility on the web of best sales, promotions, all orchestrated for online sale. Payment by Paypal.

To finish the assessment, the boss gives you a warm welcome and is required as an outstanding advisor.

Along the via fluvia, a hedonistic stopover. This cellar offers an atmosphere conducive to tasting and discovery. A branch of the Cave de Saint-Désirat, the Caveau de Sarras defends and presents the vineyards of the Coteaux de Sarras, known for producing some of the finest wines in the Rhône Valley: AOP Saint-Joseph (white and red) and Condrieu (white), as well as good single-varietal wines from the Ardèche (IGP), such as Viogniers. We appreciate the erudite advice and some of the low-priced suggestions. No mistake with cuvée Rochevine.

La Chouette is located near Tournon-sur-Rhône, in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and offers local, artisanal beers. This microbrewery offers a range of 7 permanent references as well as regular new releases. Rémy and Clarisse seek originality by experimenting with different brewing and fermentation techniques, while respecting the seasons and their desires. Whether you're curious or a connoisseur, there's something for everyone. On-site: tours, tastings and takeaways. The team is also present at local markets.

An institution and a business that runs and delights us! The house has existed since 1946 and has been passed down from father to son. The drying sheds are located at an altitude of 1,000 m and the work is done by hand. You will find original preparations for the barbecue and all the classics of Ardèche charcuterie: caillettes, chestnut pâté, dry sausage, cured ham, maôche with the "Goûtez l'Ardèche" label... But also: lamb, veal, beef, organic produce, ready-made meals and roast chickens

In summer, it is one of the biggest markets in the Ardèche. But this market takes place all year round, every Monday, and is transformed into a real little fair in the summer season, with the street open to pedestrians. It is an opportunity to stock up on seasonal produce, farm products and cured meats. The producers come from all over the region to treat us. It is also a moment of conviviality where we take the time to exchange, even to take a coffee in terrace... A farmers' market is set up on the Place de Verdun from May to September, on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm

This direct selling shop for agricultural products offers seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as excellent fruit juices - apple, apple-raspberry, apple-blueberry, fishing… - jams, marrons, etc.

Vincent's Oil Mill, located in Payzac, is in the front row of the most beautiful square in Les Vans. Nestled on the Place de la Fontaine, in a 17th century house, the store offers oils, tapenades and cosmetics from the mill; other local products, including flavored oils, honeys, or jams complete the list of delicacies. You will also discover the work of the olive growers. Possible tasting and visit in the afternoon.

The Mas d'Intras estate has been passed down through 4 generations and is now run by Denis Robert and Sébastien Pradal. A modest-sized operation that has opted for organic farming, the domaine produces some excellent red wines from the Ardèche region, including the famous Cuvée d'Alphonse, a fruity, full-bodied blend of Syrah and Merlot, and the Cuvée des Helviens, made with Grenache from old vines. There's also a studio for two, should you wish to continue your stay here.

Kitsch and greedy! In a small street of yesteryear, a candy factory... Here we make berlingots, lollipops, nougatines, caramels... in the old way. The artisan confectioner, in his cauldrons, even demonstrates his know-how. The smell of caramel makes your mouth water. And the sugar kneaded and stretched like honey fascinates. Fortunately, the shop allows you to stock up on these marvellous sweets from the past. A moment of regression and greed that it would be a shame to miss. One more reason to stop by!

The Union des vignerons des coteaux de l'Ardèche, known under the brand name Vignerons Ardéchois, groups together 1,500 winegrowers at 14 wineries, covering a total of 7,500 ha. A wide range of grape varieties flourish on this varied terroir, giving Vignerons Ardéchois wines their richness and distinctive character. The cellar adjoins Néovinum, a museum space dedicated to this terroir and the work of the men who make it flourish. On the second Sunday in August, there's the much-anticipated Fête des Vignerons. See the website for ideas for walks through the vineyards!

Gérald and Jocelyne, brother and sister, took over this 22-hectare estate in Valvignères from their father in 1983. It is made up of numerous grape varieties: syrah, grenache, portan, cabernet, carignan, merlot for the reds, viognier, chardonnay, grenache blanc: for the whites, and above all, very old vines for the region. Le Mazel wines are natural, with no filtration, flash pasteurization or inputs other than SO2, and come in very affordable bottles or more prestigious cuvées.

Eric Martin took over the family estate in 2008. His olive grove extends over a dozen hectares where 4,000 olive trees of three main varieties are planted: aglandau, bouteillan and picholine. It is in an old silkworm nursery that he blends and produces an extra virgin olive oil with a green fruity flavour called Cuvée Sauvage, which can be found on the tables of great chefs. It has been ranked among the 500 best olive oils in the world by the prestigious international guide by Marco Oreggia. Sale on site and online.

Champagne has its pink Reims cookies, Saint-Péray has its chips: a specialty that dates back to 1871. This patisserie is renowned for its Malavieille chips, sweet rolled cookies in the shape of a chip, delicately scented with orange blossom. This delicacy celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021! The shavings can be eaten crunchy or softer, depending on your taste, at teatime or as an aperitif, or even as a dessert. The chef also concocts madeleines, suisses and other sweets in his workshop.

Joyeuse macaroons have been around since the ^16th century, created from an Italian recipe, passed through the intrigues of the King of France's court and then brought back to the Ardèche by the Duke of Joyeuse. In the Maison Charaix boutique, you'll be welcomed with infinite kindness to discover this historic sweet. Take your time, look around, taste... we advise you without pushing you, we inform you without stressing you. The store also sells local honeys, other cookies and chestnut products.