“The walnut tree is to Périgord what the olive tree is to Provence: it lines the roads, shades the slopes and fills the valleys… “

Walnuts and Périgord have been closely linked for an eternity. History bears witness to this, the landscape proves it and the food attests to it. Proof certainly of the perfect harmony between product and soil and product and man…

The walnut has more than one trick up its sleeve!

Périgord is certainly one of the birthplaces of walnuts. Cro-Magnon Man was already enjoying them!
The walnut’s presence 17,000 years ago was revealed during archaeological excavations in Peyrat, Dordogne. In Périgord in the 13th century, walnut oil was considered as precious as gold. It was used to light humble hovels and the most majestic cathedrals, and was the delight of painters and beauties who soaped their bodies with soft walnut oil soap. The walnut and its oil helped make the region’s fortune… The Périgord Attitude of the time!

Healthy and nutritious

The ultimate autumn fruit, walnuts can be enjoyed all year round.
You only need 20 to 25g a day to benefit from its healthy components. This nut is an energy bomb; it stimulates energy and the immune system. Its exceptional composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 has many benefits for a healthy heart. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and trace elements that make it a food of choice for many types of diets.

On the walnut route!

Périgord’s walnut route (Route de la Noix) has an ambition to introduce walnut farming and expertise to people through its orchards and farmers.

With stops in prestigious places like Collonges-la-Rouge, Martel, Domme and Sarlat, this tourist route leads visitors through walnut groves, introduces a heritage steeped in history, a terroir and expertise that have made their mark on the region’s economy.

The most curious visitors – and the greediest! – will be able to visit walnut oil mills, the Walnut Museum and distilleries too. As for your taste buds, they will be in for a treat as soon as soon as you go through the door of the bakeries and restaurants that have made walnuts their flagship product… Try the famous walnut cake in its many versions and find the one that hits the bull’s eye for you!

You’re edging closer to being converted to the Périgord Attitude!

The Walnut Route

Find it herewww.noixduperigord.com and in the Tourist Information Office.