Festival of the New Lentil

The Puy Green Lentil: A Two-Thousand-Year-Old Culinary Treasure

The Puy green lentil is one of the most renowned legumes in France. Grown on the volcanic plateaus of Haute-Loire, between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level, it benefits from a unique microclimate — mineral-rich volcanic soils, warm southern winds (the foehn effect), and generous sunshine — which give it its thin skin, quick cooking time, and subtle hazelnut and chestnut aromas. Known since Gallo-Roman times in the region, the Puy green lentil obtained an appellation of origin in 1935, then AOC in 1996 and finally AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) in 2008, becoming the first European legume to achieve this prestigious distinction. Each year, nearly 800 producers cultivate approximately 4,500 hectares within the appellation area, producing around 50,000 quintals of lentils under the control of the Organisme de Défense et de Gestion (ODG) de la Lentille Verte du Puy.

The Verte Confrérie de la Lentille du Puy: Guardian of Heritage

Founded in May 1995 by twelve founding knights, the Verte Confrérie de la Lentille du Puy is a gastronomic brotherhood whose mission is to make known, promote, and celebrate the Puy green lentil AOP. Its members, recognizable by their green costume adorned with a collar of Puy lace and a pewter medal stamped with a lentil sprig against the backdrop of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay, pledge by oath of honor and friendship to defend this exceptional legume. The Confrérie regularly organizes chapters — grand intronization ceremonies — during which new members are knighted, as well as the Festival of the New Lentil every summer in Le Puy-en-Velay. Every two years, an expanded chapter brings together dozens of gastronomic and wine brotherhoods from all over France for a grand parade through the city streets.

A Festive and Gourmet Program

The Festival of the New Lentil takes place every year on a Saturday in August in the historic center of Le Puy-en-Velay. The morning is dedicated to the grand parade of the brotherhoods through the streets and markets of the city — from the town hall to the Place du Plot, passing through Rue Crozatier, Place du Breuil, Boulevard Maréchal Fayolle, Rue Pannessac, and the covered market square. More than 150 costumed participants, representing up to 30 brotherhoods from all over France (Drôme garlic, Gerzat pansette, Saint-Péray wine, Chabeuil caillette, Saint-Nectaire, Solaize blue leek, Aude wine, Challans duck, Mayenne tripe, Piolenc garlic...), liven up the streets in a colorful and joyful atmosphere.

Producers and packagers of Puy green lentils offer tastings of the new harvest in various forms: lentil salads, sausage and lentils, terrines, veloutés, and original culinary creations. Culinary demonstrations allow you to discover all facets of this legume in cooking. Sports challenges and activities for all ages punctuate the day, while stands showcase local products from the Velay region: Velay verbena, cheeses, cured meats, and honey.

In the evening, a gastronomic meal brings together brotherhoods and lovers of good food around a menu entirely composed of Puy green lentils, in a friendly and warm atmosphere. This dinner is the highlight of the day, celebrating the alliance between the brotherhood tradition and Velay gastronomy.

An Event Rooted in the Identity of Le Puy-en-Velay

The Festival of the New Lentil is part of the rich gastronomic and cultural tradition of Le Puy-en-Velay, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the routes of Santiago de Compostela. Alongside lace, the King of the Bird, and verbena, the green lentil is one of the four emblems of the city of Le Puy. The festival contributes to promoting this exceptional product to the general public, while strengthening the link between local producers and consumers. It also participates in the tourism development of Haute-Loire and the promotion of its unique gastronomic heritage.