Nougat Festival

The Nougat Festival: Montélimar Celebrates Its Specialty

Since 2015, Montélimar's Nougat Festival has paid tribute to the confectionery that has made the town famous worldwide. Every last weekend of July, Montélimar's Allées Provençales and public garden become the stage for a gourmet and festive celebration, bringing together artisanal nougat makers, locals, and tourists around this Provençal sweet.

The Nougat Makers' Village

At the heart of the festival, a nougat makers' village is set up on the Allées Provençales. Confectionery artisans showcase their creations and offer live nougat making demonstrations. Visitors can observe the precise gestures of the nougat makers — whipping egg whites, incorporating honey, almonds, and pistachios — and, of course, taste the different varieties of nougat: white, black, soft, hard, with candied fruits, or chocolate.

Open-Air Theatrical Shows

The Nougat Festival features open-air theatrical scenes in the style of Guignol theater, reenacting the history of nougat and historical figures from Montélimar, such as Émile Loubet, the town's mayor before becoming President of the Republic. These entertaining and educational street performances humorously tell the story of Montélimar's confectionery.

Activities for Children

The youngest attendees are not forgotten, with a program of activities specially designed for them. They can get their picture taken with Ganout, the festival's mascot, participate in a treasure hunt in shop windows, or join a sack race to gather ingredients for a giant nougat. Creative workshops and games complete the family entertainment offerings.

A Local Producers' Market

Alongside the nougat makers' village, a local producers' market offers specialties from the Drôme Provençale region: honey, lavender, olive oil, wines, seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. This gourmet market complements the festival's offerings and allows visitors to discover the richness of Montélimar's local products.

Montélimar Nougat, a Centuries-Old Tradition

Montélimar nougat is a confectionery made from almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites whipped into peaks. According to the decree of March 12, 1996, Montélimar nougat must contain at least 30% dried fruits (whole blanched sweet almonds, hazelnuts, green pistachios, walnuts). This specialty, which has been the pride of the town for centuries, is inseparable from the identity of Montélimar and the Drôme Provençale.