Week-end Gastronomique d'Avallon

Avallon, a gourmet crossroads between Morvan and Burgundy

Perched on its granite promontory overlooking the Cousin valley, Avallon has for centuries been one of the most renowned gastronomic stops in Burgundy. A natural crossroads between the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan to the south and the vineyards of Auxerrois to the north, the town benefits from a privileged position at the heart of a territory of exceptional culinary richness. Every autumn, this heritage is embodied in the Week-end Gastronomique d'Avallon, a friendly event that showcases local producers, taste artisans, and the culinary traditions of the Avallonnais region.

Morvan on a plate: exceptional specialties

The Gastronomic Weekend highlights the treasures of the Morvan terroir, starting with the famous cured ham from Morvan. Naturally dried for six to twenty-four months on the wooded heights of the regional park, this raw ham with its deep and delicate flavor is one of the jewels of Burgundy charcuterie. It is accompanied by rosette du Morvan, artisanal terrines, and herb-infused head cheese, all preparations passionately maintained by the region's charcutiers.

Farm cheeses play a central role in the program. Époisses, a soft-ripened cheese washed with marc de Bourgogne, which Brillat-Savarin called the "king of cheeses," sits alongside dairy products from the surrounding area: Soumaintrain, an orange-rinded cheese from the Yonne, and artisanal creations from Morvan farms—goat cheeses, aged crottins, and cream-topped fresh cheeses. The Abbaye de la Pierre-qui-Vire cheese dairy, nestled in the Morvan forests, also presents its exceptional monastic cheeses.

The vineyards of Auxerrois and the beers of Morvan

The Gastronomic Weekend is also an invitation to discover the wines of Auxerrois, those discreet but endearing appellations that radiate around Avallon. Irancy, a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape, unfolds its aromas of red fruits and violet on the limestone slopes of the Yonne valley. Vézelay, a mineral and elegant Chardonnay produced on the slopes of the eternal hill, stands out as one of the most pleasant discoveries of the Burgundy vineyards. Chablis, Coulanges-la-Vineuse, and Saint-Bris-le-Vineux complete this panorama of Yonne wines.

In contrast to these regional wines, the craft breweries of the Avallonnais region proudly present their creations. The local microbrewery offers its characterful beers made from selected cereals and hops, in the spirit of promoting short supply chains, a value dear to the Morvan territory.

Culinary workshops and guided tastings

Throughout the weekend, culinary workshops led by local chefs allow visitors to learn traditional Haute-Bourgogne recipes. On the program: making Gougères bourguignonnes—those small cheese puffs that are a must for Burgundy aperitifs—preparing jambon persillé (parsleyed ham), discovering œufs en meurette (poached eggs in red wine sauce), and learning about marinades for bœuf bourguignon (Burgundy beef stew). The workshops are open to all levels, from curious beginners to amateur cooks looking to perfect their regional cuisine skills.

Guided wine and cheese tastings are organized by wine merchants and cheese experts, allowing visitors to refine their palate and understand the pairings between local appellations and Morvan regional products. These sensory discovery workshops, accessible to all, are among the most popular moments of the weekend.

The gourmet market of local producers

The heart of the Gastronomic Weekend beats to the rhythm of the grand gourmet market held on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Avallon. About forty producers, artisans, and winemakers from the Avallonnais, Morvan, and the rest of the Yonne region offer their best products for direct sale. Morvan honey and gingerbread from L'Abeille Desbois, seasonal vegetables and fruits from the market gardeners of Le Silo Rouge, butters and cheeses from Auxois farms, artisanal charcuterie from Morvan breeders, preserves and jams with regional fruits: the market is a true concentrate of Burgundy flavors.

Musical entertainment accompanies the tastings, with local bands creating a warm atmosphere conducive to strolling and discovery. Activities for children—bread-making workshops, farm animal discovery—complete the program and make the weekend a festive occasion accessible to all.

An exceptional medieval setting

Celebrating gastronomy in Avallon also means enjoying an architectural setting of rare beauty. The medieval ramparts, the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, the watchtowers, and the majestic Collégiale Saint-Lazare with its sculpted Romanesque portal provide a dreamlike backdrop for this gourmet weekend. The terraced gardens cascading down to the Cousin valley, cultivated since the 10th century, recall the ancient agricultural and food-producing vocation of the site. Combining the pleasures of the table with the discovery of Avallon's heritage is the invitation this weekend extends to all its visitors.