Uzès is famous for French truffles—black ones. The Tuber melanosporum, or black truffle, is one of the most prized culinary delicacies in the world. Hidden beneath the roots of oak and hazelnut trees, these fungi are sniffed out by trained pigs and dogs before they appear on chefs’ menus. And they are the stars of the Uzès Truffle Festival each year.
Truffles in Uzès
Before I moved to France, I knew very little about truffles. This southern belle thought truffles only came in a fancy gold box from Godiva. My favorite “truffle” was a dark chocolate with a center that melted in my mouth.
Now I know better. A truffle is not candy but a fungus—sometimes called the “black diamond of Provence.” Rare, aromatic, and highly sought-after, a kilogram can sell for thousands of euros. And nowhere are truffles more celebrated than in Uzès.
The Uzès Truffle Festival
Each January, Uzès hosts the Uzès Truffle Festival (La Fête de la Truffe), drawing visitors from across France and beyond. For nearly a month, the town becomes a stage for tastings, hunts, and truffle-inspired meals. Restaurants feature special menus, while local winemakers showcase vintages perfectly paired with the earthy flavors of truffles.
The festival’s main weekend, usually in the third or fourth week of January, is the high point. Streets fill with market stalls, chefs, farmers, and food lovers—all caught up in the excitement of the season.
The Truffle Market in Uzès
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the truffle market in Uzès. Local producers display their freshly harvested treasures, and buyers carefully judge firmness, aroma, and quality before buying by weight. The atmosphere feels as serious as a gem exchange.
Alongside the market, chefs serve omelets, cheeses, and pasta laced with truffles. The air is filled with an irresistible scent that pulls everyone closer.
But the festival is much more than the market itself. Uzès hosts a full calendar of special evenings and gatherings:
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The Winemaker’s Evening – A chance to meet the winegrowers of the Duché d’Uzès and taste their AOP wines.
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Truffle Night – A dinner where Michelin-starred chefs from the Gard create a truffle-based menu with the region’s best products.
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The Bodega Evening – An evening under the big tent, with long tables set for truffle dishes paired with wines from the Cuvées des Vignerons du Duché d’Uzès.
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Truffle Day – The biggest day of all, with a market devoted to truffles, tastings, workshops, hunting demonstrations, and a blessing of the truffles at Uzès Cathedral, followed by the traditional charity auction.
Together, these events show how truffles are woven into the wine, food, and traditions of Uzès.
The Blessing of the Truffles at Uzès Cathedral
Tradition runs deep in Uzès. Each year, the town’s historic Cathedral of Saint-Théodorit hosts a special blessing of the truffles. Farmers and hunters bring baskets of their finds forward, a symbolic gesture of gratitude for nature’s gift and a prayer for a good season ahead.
Right after the service, the truffles are carried to a lively charity auction. The finest specimens fetch remarkable sums, with proceeds going to local causes. It’s both entertaining and deeply rooted in community spirit.
Truffle Hunting in the Uzès Countryside
Of all the festival’s events, my favorite has been joining a truffle hunt. The day began with a horse-drawn carriage ride into the countryside. The winter air was cold, the roads unpaved, the oak trees bare.
At the grove, a truffle hunter and his dog welcomed us. Nose to the ground, tail wagging, the dog searched with energy until he stopped and began to dig. Within moments, the handler brushed aside the soil to reveal a black truffle. Watching the discovery unfold—dog and handler working in harmony—was unforgettable.
Maison d’Uzès: Truffle and Wine Tasting
The hunt ended at La Maison d’Uzès, a restored 17th-century hôtel particulier and five-star Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel. Inside its stone walls, we sampled dishes prepared with freshly shaved truffles by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Ducros, paired with wines from the region.
It was the perfect ending to a day that combined tradition, fine cuisine, and French charm.
Why Visit Uzès During Truffle Season
Visiting Uzès in January is a must for food lovers. Beyond the town’s Renaissance plazas and cobbled streets, truffle season adds an extra layer of magic.
When you come, you can:
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Taste truffle-infused specialties at markets and restaurants.
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Watch truffle-hunting demonstrations with dogs and pigs.
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Meet local producers and learn the secrets of truffle cultivation.
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Purchase fresh truffles to take home or give as a gift.
The Uzès Truffle Festival is more than food—it’s about culture, community, and a French tradition that has endured for centuries.
Truffles in Uzès: A French Tradition Worth Savoring
From the thrill of a truffle hunt to the elegance of a truffle dinner, Uzès shows why these “black diamonds” remain among the world’s most prized culinary treasures. What once confused me with chocolate has become a highlight of life in France.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Provence or Occitanie, make sure Uzès is on your itinerary. Join me in this video tour and see for yourself why the Truffles of Uzès are an experience you’ll never forget.
Join me on this video tour and see for yourself. Truffles in Uzès,
Better yet, join me next year for Truffles in Uzès!
