Les Castagnades – Chestnut Festivals in Ardèche

The chestnut, king fruit of Ardèche

The Castagnades were born in 2000 on the initiative of the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park to celebrate the chestnut, the emblematic fruit of the Ardèche territory, nicknamed the "bread tree". For centuries, the chestnut tree has fed the populations of the Monts d'Ardèche and shaped the mid-mountain landscapes. The Castagnades perpetuate this heritage by promoting the local chestnut sector and sharing the culture of the chestnut with the general public.

A month of festivities in eleven villages

Every year from October to November, the Castagnades unfold in eleven villages of the Monts d'Ardèche Park. The festivals follow one another from village to village, each municipality offering its own program: Saint-Pierreville, Meyras, Privas, Joyeuse, Désaignes, Saint-Laurent-les-Bains-Laval-d'Aurelle, Antraïgues, Saint-André-Lachamp, Chalencon, Vesseaux and Joannas. Each Castagnada has its own identity and traditions, but all share the same passion for the golden fruit.

Markets, tastings, and know-how

On the Castagnades program: producers' markets where chestnut growers present their products (fresh chestnuts, chestnut cream, chestnut flour, preserves, liqueurs), tastings of chestnut-based specialties, culinary workshops, and demonstrations of traditional know-how. The Chestnut Gastronomic Challenge challenges amateur and professional cooks to enhance this local product.

Hikes, events, and heritage

The Castagnades are not limited to gastronomy. The program includes hikes in century-old chestnut groves, visits to farms and chestnut-growing operations, events for children, shows, and exhibitions on the history and culture of the chestnut tree. These activities allow visitors to discover the landscapes of the Monts d'Ardèche in autumn, a season of flamboyant colors and the first frosts.

Twenty-five years of celebrating the terroir

In 2025, the Castagnades will celebrate their 26th edition, confirming the lasting success of this unique event in France. The festivals attract thousands of visitors each year, lovers of the land and nature, who come to share a moment of conviviality around the chestnut. The Castagnades contribute to the economic and cultural development of the Monts d'Ardèche territory and the maintenance of the local chestnut sector.