The Périgourdine black truffle is as synonomous to the local Perigordine cuisine as Sarlat is to the Perigord Noir.
At Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir, it has become so important a cult object that an annual festival exists in its honour on the 3rd week-end in January, and an academy created as a result.
The black diamond is found from December to February so the festival, held at the height of its season, celebrates everything truffle with a variety of workshops open to the public.
These workshops cover such things as identification, the scent of the truffle and how to buy a truffle. A large truffle market takes place on the weekend with many fresh but also products with truffles (oil, truffle trees….). Producers demonstrations take place twice a day on the harvesting of the black perigordine truffle and cooking demonstrations by great chefs.
But how can we imagine coming to the truffle festival without doing some tasting, for those who like cooking, culinary courses will be open to all groups of 8 people surrounded by a renowned chef to concoct small dishes…with truffles, of course!
Ian, resident chef at Le Chevrefeuille cookery school, loves this festival and offers to organise and book a group of more than 8 people to experience this festival, group accommodation is provided by La Ferme de Noix.
Another great reason to stay in the Dordogne out of season!