Festival of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut

Two exceptional products in the spotlight

The Festival of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut celebrates two jewels of Dauphiné gastronomy. Saint-Marcellin IGP, a small cow's milk cheese with a melting and creamy texture, has been produced in a restricted geographical area around the town of the same name since the 15th century. Grenoble Walnut AOP, the first walnut to obtain an appellation of origin in France as early as 1938, is grown in the valleys of the Isère and Drac rivers. Together, these two products embody the richness of the Isère region.

A large producers' market

At the heart of the festival, a large market of local producers is set up in the main square. Visitors can discover and buy directly from producers: Saint-Marcellin in all its forms (fresh, dry, creamy), walnut kernels, walnut oil, walnut wine, as well as charcuterie, honey, jams, and other specialties from the Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isère territory. Breeders and artisans are present to share their passion and know-how.

Culinary workshops and demonstrations

Throughout the day, culinary workshops allow visitors to learn how to cook with Saint-Marcellin and walnuts: open-faced sandwiches, salads, walnut-based desserts, creative recipes with the cheese. A demonstration of traditional walnut oil pressing and a walnut cracking contest are among the most popular events of the festival. The walnut cake contest, open to all, is judged by local juries on Saturday afternoon.

Festive entertainment and brotherhoods

Musical entertainment, parades of gastronomic brotherhoods, and shows punctuate the day, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere. The brotherhoods of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut participate in the festival, bringing their historical and heritage dimension. Farm visits in the Beaulieu district allow visitors to meet the producers on their farms.

A traveling event labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie

The originality of this festival: it alternates each year between the communes of Saint-Marcellin and Vinay, the two main towns in the area. The first edition was held in Saint-Marcellin in 2024, the second in Vinay in 2025, and the third will return to Saint-Marcellin in 2026. The event is labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie – France, a network that promotes the culinary heritage of the Rhône Valley. The Grand Séchoir, a museum dedicated to the walnut region located in a former 17th-century walnut drying facility in Vinay, is accessible to visitors during the festival.