Truffle Hunting in the Dordogne: A Guide for Beginners

If you are a foodie who loves to explore new flavors and experiences, you might want to try truffle hunting in the Dordogne region of France with our local guide Xavier Mathiaud from Ma Terre Premiere.

Truffles are delicates that grow underground near the roots of certain trees, such as oak, hazel, and beech. They are highly prized for their rich aroma and flavor and can fetch very high prices in the market. Some of the most famous types of truffles are the black Périgord truffles from the Dordogne.

Truffle hunting is a traditional activity that involves searching for these hidden delicacies with the help of trained animals, such as dogs or pigs (or even flies..). The animals can sniff out the truffles and dig them up, while the hunter follows them with a special tool called a truffle hook or a truffle knife. The hunter must be careful not to damage the truffles or the surrounding soil, as this can affect the future growth of the fungus.

How to Find Truffles in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is one of the best places to find truffles in France, as it has a favorable climate and soil for their development. The truffle season runs from November to March. During this time, you can find many truffle markets and festivals in the region, where you can buy fresh or preserved truffles, as well as other products made with them, such as oils, cheeses, chocolates, and wines.

If you want to experience truffle hunting yourself

You can book a tour with Xavier, a local truffle expert who will guide you through his own truffle farm. Xavier runs Ma Terre Première, (www.materrepremiere.fr) where you can learn more about his passion and services. He will show you how to find and harvest truffles and share with you his knowledge and secrets about these mysterious foods. You will also get to taste some of his homemade truffle products!

La Maison Louverie has a special autumn deal for you to enjoy the Dordogne even more

La Maison Louverie is a cozy and elegant Perigourdine house just 25 minutes from Bergerac (airport), 45 minutes from Sarlat, and 30 minutes from St. Alvere with its famous truffle market. ( Fly with Transavia, RyanAir, or Flybe)

  • Stay with 2 for only € 224 a night* in Chambre Truffe on the ground floor.
  • Or book with 6 for just € 63 p.p.p.n**. (Chambre Figure, 2 pers | Chambre Noix, 2 pers)

Book between the 16th of September and mid-December 2023 and get a goody box with homemade jams, walnuts, and hazelnuts for your winter stock and your Christmas holidays.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the magic of truffles in the beautiful Autumn Dordogne.

You are persuaded that you need this holiday and experience this autumn but still have questions? Contact us.

A bientôt at La Maison Louverie!

*Book for a minimum of 4 nights, € 224 a night for 2 people. Stay in the large bedroom downstairs – Chambre Truffe- with an attached bathroom. The pool open till the end of October 2023

**Book 1 or 2 rooms extra for € 75 a night each. No minimum nights. The rooms Chambre Figue and Chambre Noix on the first floor are both available for this Autumn deal and both have a private bathroom. max 2 guests per room.

Tourist tax of € 1,10 p.p.p.n is not included