LES CASTAGNADES

The Castagnades des Monts d'Ardèche pay tribute to the chestnut. A grand celebration scheduled for autumn, when chestnuts are harvested. Ardèche is the leading chestnut-growing department in France, producing 5,000 tonnes a year, or almost half the national total. The emblem of the Monts d'Ardèche regional nature park, the chestnut has been AOC certified since 2006. During the Castagnades, chefs offer a special menu, and numerous cultural and artistic events take place. The scent of roasted chestnuts wafts through homes and villages.