The best confectioners Ardèche

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.

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!

Nougat country tends to be the Drôme, but as with many delicacies, a friendly rivalry has developed between the two neighboring départements. And it has to be said, the Petit Ardéchois artisanal nougat is pretty damn good! It's made the old-fashioned way, in large copper cauldrons and basins, with carefully selected raw materials: lavender honey from the region and almonds from Provence. Wide choice in the store.

A confectioner since 1907, Sabaton produces its inimitable marrons glacés according to the original recipe, its chestnut creams and purées, jams and other confectionery from the Ardèche and elsewhere - for candied citrus peel. We also add local fruits in syrup: bilberries, blackcurrants or blueberries. A video shows you the different stages of production, from harvesting to packaging. We like the kit to prepare your own marrons glacés with 3 verrines of 3 varieties of AOC chestnuts in syrup, with equipment and an explanation of the glaze!

In chestnut country, Marrons Imbert are king! Everyone here knows them, and everyone loves them. The adventure began in the 1920s with Gustave Imbert. Manufacturing processes have been modernized, but the method remains traditional. The company's main distinctive feature is the systematic peeling and sorting of chestnuts before cooking, to remove skins, tannins and damaged fruit for a quality product. Imbert also uses chestnuts to make purees and creams: 800 tonnes of chestnuts a year are kneaded in the Aubenas factory.

Delicatessen, regional products, tea cellar... A great epicurean address! This recently-renovated boutique with the "Goûtez l'Ardèche" label offers more than just nougats and chestnut products... In addition to a wide selection of local products, Au Bon Bec offers, as its name suggests, a choice of old-fashioned sour sweets, as well as chocolates. The welcome is as soft and sweet as the sweets on display. You'll also find the Kiub brand, with its mugs, coffee cups, isothermal water bottles, activity aprons for children...

It is the temple of the macaroon and the chocolate! Didier Laurent is a renowned pastry chef and chocolatier. His collection of homemade chocolates is a delight for the gourmets. In summer, it is here that one comes to seek an ice cream and all the year of the macaroons of exception, stones of Volane or a pastry of quality. The products are made as often as possible with local products (cream, milk, fruit, chestnuts...) and following the seasons. Pastry classes from 12 years old.

Laura, a nougat chef, and Loïc, a beekeeper, have combined their knowledge and passion for making and marketing honey, nougat, confectionery and other original products at the Nougaterie du Pont-d'Arc. Together, they took over this store in 2019, which is now their workshop-boutique. Loïc's beehives, located in the Sud-Ardèche region, are one of the many regional products used to make their products. The establishment has also been awarded the "Goûter l'Ardèche" label, which promotes quality local products.