Black Truffle Festival of Aups

Aups, Provençal Capital of the Black Diamond

Nestled between the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Montagne de Vérignon in the Haut-Var, the commune of Aups is one of the most emblematic centers for the production and trade of black truffles in Provence. The Tuber melanosporum, known as the "black diamond," is the subject of a centuries-old tradition here: every Thursday from November to March, the weekly truffle market attracts professional buyers, restaurateurs, and enthusiasts from around the world for open outcry auctions in a unique atmosphere.

The Black Truffle Festival of Aups is the culmination of this tradition: every January, the entire village celebrates its underground treasure over two festive and convivial days, now in its 33rd edition in 2026. The event is organized by the local truffle growers' association in partnership with the Maison de la Truffe et du Verdon.

The Black Truffle: A Fragile and Precious Treasure

Tuber melanosporum grows in symbiosis with the roots of pubescent oaks, holm oaks, and hazel trees, in well-drained calcareous soil, under a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold winters. Its harvest takes place between November and March, reaching its peak aroma in January and February. In the Haut-Var region, the clay-limestone terroir of the plateaus and hills around Aups provides a prime habitat for this hypogeous fungus.

Truffle harvesting — known as "cavage" — is traditionally done with trained dogs that sniff out ripe truffles underground. This bond between the truffle grower, their dog, and the forest is at the heart of Provençal truffle culture, and the "cavage" demonstrations are one of the highlights of the festival.

Two Days of Celebration and Sharing

The festival unfolds over two intense days. On Saturday, the afternoon is dedicated to the market for preserved truffles, allowing visitors to purchase truffles in jars, related products (truffled oils, truffle salt, truffle carpaccio), and receive advice from producers. A "cavage" demonstration with truffle dogs illustrates the ancestral harvesting techniques. The evening concludes with a festive fireworks display.

On Sunday, festivities resume at 9:30 AM with Provençal dances performed by local folk groups in traditional costumes. A fresh truffle market allows attendees to acquire the precious fungus directly from the growers. Gastronomic events and culinary demonstrations showcase how to enhance the truffle in traditional and contemporary Provençal cuisine.

Restaurants in Aups and the Haut-Var region also participate by offering special black truffle menus throughout the weekend: truffle scrambled eggs, truffle omelets, risottos, and other dishes where the black diamond reveals all its woody and earthy aromas.

The Maison de la Truffe et du Verdon: A Dedicated Space

An essential partner of the festival, the Maison de la Truffe et du Verdon in Aups offers a 100 m² multi-sensory exhibition on the first floor throughout the year, exploring the history of the truffle, its life cycle, varieties, and gastronomic uses. A shop and tasting area on the ground floor offers fresh and processed products, and guided "truffle-tourism" outings introduce visitors to the secrets of "cavage" in the forest.

A Unique Weekly Market in Provence

Beyond the annual festival, Aups holds its black truffle market every Thursday starting in November, one of the most important in Provence. The 2025-2026 season began on November 20, 2025, attracting professionals and individuals alike for the inauguration. This market makes Aups one of the living capitals of truffles in France, alongside Richerenches in Vaucluse and Sorges in Périgord.

A Popular and Accessible Event

The Aups Black Truffle Festival is distinguished by its deeply popular and convivial nature. Free to enter, it brings together locals, truffle growers, restaurateurs, and visitors from all over Provence and beyond in a warm, typically Provençal atmosphere. The costumed dances, music, fireworks, and the generosity of the producers make it a moment of authentic sharing around an exceptional product.