The town of Sorges, and the art of the truffle

You really can’t miss it:  the truffle of Sorges, the famous "black diamond" of the Périgord region. Everywhere you go, you will see markets, demonstrations, conferences, museums, festivals, concerts, and tastings -  all given over to this precious commodity.
Sorges is just  twenty kilometres from the Ferme d’Araucanie, so you will have the opportunity to see just how many ways there are to enjoy this delicacy, ranging from :

• Whole truffle, or separate pieces
• Truffle shavings for salads, mashed potatoes, risotto or omelettes
• Truffle spreads
• Truffle-infused oil, vinegar or condiments
• Truffle specialties
• Truffle honey and jam

In summer or winter, let yourself be captivated by the subtle flavours of the Tuber melanosporum, whether by the pool, by the fireplace or at any of the specialist festivals and market or market venues.

Sorges is rightly considered the truffle capital, both agriculturally and culturally:

• Agriculturally, because as early as the 19th century, efforts to “give nature a helping hand” began here. Techniques such as acorn sowing and planting truffle oak seedlings proved successful, leading Sorges to harvest annual yields equivalent to the current production of the entire Dordogne.
• Culturally, as slowly the truffle gave inspiration to the local population both intellectually and economically. Farmers, teachers, and even doctors became producers of this unique delicacy, blending theory with practice,and fostering a true truffle culture. Thus the truffle became a way of life, symbolizing a deep connection to nature and the local landscape. 

Astonishing effort has been put into the truffle, and today, most families in Sorges with generations-old roots have archives on truffle cultivation and the closely guarded secrets that go with them.

To learn more about the history and culture of this black diamond, you can leave the warm confines of the Ferme d’Araucanie and head to Sorges to visit the eco-museum, walk the discovery trail across the region's limestone plateau or simply enjoy a tasting experience.