Spring delights: strawberries take centre stage
As spring paints the Luberon countryside in vivid colours, a sweet delicacy takes centre stage: the strawberry. It's sure to tantalise the taste buds of all gourmets!
As spring paints the Luberon countryside in vivid colours, a sweet delicacy takes centre stage: the strawberry. It's sure to tantalise the taste buds of all gourmets!
In spring, the Luberon bursts into vibrant colours, and strawberries, the season’s emblematic fruit, awaken the taste buds of food lovers with their sweet flavour. On market stalls, these spring treasures catch every eye, enticing passers-by with their bright red colour and delicately captivating aroma. In the heart of Provence, the Vaucluse stands out for its rich agricultural diversity, where strawberries hold a special place. Juicy, sweet and bursting with flavour, they perfectly embody the fruit of spring and gently herald the arrival of summer.
Strawberry season in the Vaucluse generally begins as early as March with the first Gariguette strawberries. It continues until June with varieties such as Cléry or Ciflorette.
You can find local strawberries at Provençal markets, or directly from local producers.
The Carpentras strawberry is a well-known local production. It is marketed by producers who are members of the Carpentras Strawberry Brotherhood, ensuring quality, freshness and local origin.
Did you know?
Strawberries rank among the French people’s favourite fruits, coming in third place after apples and bananas.
Vaucluse is the 4th largest strawberry-producing department in France, with nearly 5,000 tonnes, representing around 5% of national production.
At first, the wild strawberry reigned supreme, small, natural and flavourful, growing in woodlands across France. As early as the 14th century, nearly 2,000 plants were grown in the gardens of the Louvre, marking the first organised cultivation of this delicate fruit.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, following the discovery of the American continent, varieties from Canada and Chile, much larger in size, laid the foundations for large-scale strawberry production, particularly in Provence.
Over time, strawberries became one of the emblematic fruits of spring in the Vaucluse.
Strawberry cultivation appeared in the Comtat Venaissin in the 19th century. The Canal de Carpentras then made it possible to irrigate more than 10,000 hectares of land between Mont Ventoux, the Rhône, the Durance and the Luberon, encouraging the development of this production.
Historically focused on export, strawberries from the Vaucluse are now widely available at local farmers’ markets, where they delight visitors with their freshness and flavour.
From Gariguette to Ciflorette, the Luberon and Vaucluse grow a wide range of strawberries with delicious flavours. Each variety reveals its aromas and announces the arrival of sunny days.
What is the Carpentras strawberry?
"Carpentras strawberries" are produced in large quantities around Carpentras and in the plains of the Luberon. This label is reserved for producers who are members of the Carpentras and Comtat Venaissin Strawberry Brotherhood, created in 1999.
Local strawberries and producers
You can find local strawberries on market stalls between March and June. The first ones, grown in soil under cold tunnels, develop entirely in open fields, while later varieties grow outdoors without protection.
Discover local strawberries at the markets of Cavaillon, Lourmarin, Lauris, Gordes, Coustellet, Les Taillades and many other villages in the Luberon.
You can also find local strawberries from several producers and retailers in the area: Plateau Ratatouille – Bernard Avy in Cavaillon, EARL Les Gardiol in Mérindol, Domaine La Corrée in Lourmarin, Les Chaudrons d’Isabelle in Lauris, Naturellement Paysan in Maubec, Les Paniers de Didier in Cheval-Blanc, Cosy Fruits and Happy Saison in Cavaillon.
Among the member producers in the Luberon: Amoros SA in Cavaillon, AVY EARL in Cavaillon, AVEPH – ESAT La Roumanière in Robion, Kookabarra in Cavaillon, Les Grandes Terres in Cheval-Blanc, Saint Louis EARL in Le Thor and FSL EARL.
Total time: 4 h 30 | Difficulty: medium | Serves: 4
The panna cotta with strawberry-tomato coulis and basil granita, created by Jérôme Faure from the restaurant Le Champ des Lunes at the Domaine de Fontenille in Lauris, is a true ode to summer indulgence. A subtle combination of the creamy sweetness of panna cotta, the fruity freshness of strawberry-tomato coulis and the herbal notes of basil granita, this delicate creation showcases the elegance of the chef’s cuisine. A light, fragrant and sun-filled dessert, perfect for ending a summer meal on a refined note.
Discover the recipeStrawberry season in the Luberon
You now have a tempting overview of strawberry season in the Vaucluse and the Luberon. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, meet passionate producers and enjoy freshly picked strawberries for a truly gourmet experience!
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