Chestnut

An emblematic fruit of autumn, the chestnut is part of the culinary heritage of Alpes de Haute ProvenceAroundAnnotFrom Fugeret to the Albion plateau, the chestnut groves bear witness to a long agricultural tradition. Roasted, in cream, jam, or flour, it features in numerous specialties. Discover this authentic fruit, its producers, and the festivals that celebrate its flavors each year.

The chestnut, an emblematic fruit of autumn

In autumn, the chestnut reveals all the flavors of its terroir. In the Alpes de Haute ProvenceTwo areas perpetuate this tradition: the massif ofAnnot and the Albion plateau. Their chestnut groves shape the landscapes and tell a story linked to local life.

The centuries-old chestnut groves of the massif ofAnnot

AroundAnnot, les châtaigniers s’épanouissent depuis plusieurs siècles sur ce territoire. Ils poussent notamment à Annot, au Fugeret, à Brauxin Saint-Benoît and Méailles. Certains arbres remarquables témoignent encore de cette longue histoire.
Autrefois, la châtaigne constituait une ressource alimentaire essentielle pour les habitants. Elle permettait de nourrir les familles pendant l’hiver. La culture de la châtaigne reste profondément ancrée dans l’histoire locale. Aujourd’hui, des producteurs se mobilisent pour préserver ces arbres et valoriser leurs fruits.

The Albion plateau, a land of chestnut groves

On the Albion plateau, chestnut groves stretch across several hundred hectares. They notably cross the municipalities of Revest-du-Bion, Redortiers, Montsalier, Revest-des-Brousses, Simiane-la-Rotonde et Vachères, as far as the canton of Sault, in the Vaucluse.
This ancient crop has long played an important role in the rural economy. After a period of decline, the chestnut is now regaining its place among local products. Chestnut leaves are also used to wrap cheese. Banon PDO. They thus contribute to its particular taste characteristics.

Gourmet specialties made with chestnuts

Chestnuts can be enjoyed in many ways. Roasted, they are perfect for cool autumn and winter days. They are also used in sweet recipes and artisanal preparations. The producers of Alpes de Haute Provence They use it to make jams, creams, candied chestnuts, flours for cooking and baking, and syrups. It is also used in the production of craft beers.

La châtaigne possède également une place particulière dans la gastronomie provençale. La feuille de châtaignier sert notamment à envelopper le célèbre cheese Banon, auquel elle apporte des caractéristiques gustatives spécifiques.

Take advantage of your stay to taste these products at markets, in local shops or directly at producers' sales points.

Chestnut festivals in autumn

Autumn is an ideal time to discover chestnut groves and meet the producers. Several events celebrate this iconic fruit.

The chestnut festival in Revest-du-Bion

Every year in October, Revest-du-Bion The event celebrates chestnuts at a friendly and delicious festival. It also highlights the work undertaken since 2001 to rehabilitate and preserve the local chestnut groves.
The program varies depending on the year: a walking tour through the chestnut groves, fruit picking, a market, and a meal featuring autumn flavors. A chestnut-themed recipe competition, organized by the Confrérie des Amis de la Châtaigne (Brotherhood of Friends of the Chestnut), rounds out the festivities. A wonderful opportunity to meet producers and discover local specialties.

The chestnut festival in Fugeret

In the Upper Verdon, nearAnnot, Le Fugeret also celebrates the chestnut and its chestnut groves. This festival offers a local produce market, a visit to the chestnut grove, and a demonstration of mechanical harvesting. The village is home to the highest chestnut grove in France, a unique site to discover, as well as the landscapes of the Massif d'Annot.