Book a Truffle-Hunting Experience in Provence from Avignon City Centre - Join the Hunt Near Avignon

Summary: Highlight of our trip to Provence! Couldn’t have had a more perfect day. From the welcoming entrance to the champagne and truffle goodbye; this is an experience you won’t want to miss! The explanation of terroir, the hunt, and the correct usage of the truffles once found was executed in an educational and entertaining way keeping us laughing for hours. Did I mention the cute truffle hunting dogs? Adorable!

Summary: I really enjoyed my morning with Johan, learning about truffles and finding some with his dogs. The activity was less "outdoorsy" than I expected. A lot of it is learning about truffles, seeing the trees and how the truffles are farmed, etc, then a fairly short truffle hunt with the dogs, then time spent tasting different truffle dishes with champagne. You don't need to walk too far, do wear a hat, lots of time in the sun. Johan is really funny and entertaining, and we learned tons. It is something very unique and unusual, and I would recommend it to anyone, as a unique French countryside experience.

Summary: As the evening unfolded we all hoped it would never end. Johann is the perfect host. Generous, informative, funny and patient. The dogs, caramel and éclairé, were focussed when in full flow but friendly and gorgeous when we were allowed to cuddle them. We loved Jean-Marc’s enthusiasm leaping and capering in pursuit of the dogs and his gentle encouragement when they found something else to interest them non-truffly. The visit begins with a VERY interesting talk at the start, we all learned loads. The truffle hunt is exciting and really interesting to watch as the dogs quarter the ground on the hunt of the scent of truffle. Afterwards truffle is served in a variety of ways, each of them delicious, along with a choice of Champagne, grape juice and water. It’s one of those experiences we’ll return to next year as it’s not just about the information. It’s about the welcoming feel that Johann and Co provide. The sense of warmth and joi de vivre that you drive off with into the darkness of the gorgeous Provençal countryside is worth it for the entry price alone. Our teenage boys spent the whole 55 minute journey home reliving the experience. Fantastique! À bientôt, j'espère l'année prochaine. Mark et sa famille

Summary: My husband and I had a great time learning all about truffles! Johann is very knowledgeable and humorous. Definitely the most truffles we've ever ate in a sitting. We highly recommend!

Summary: Best experience in the Luberon! Johann is wonderful and so knowledgeable—you will learn so much. The hunt with the dogs was so fun, and after you get to top it off with the finest shaved black truffles, infusions and champagne. Incredible experience.

Summary: Wonderful experience, learned so much. Loved seeing the dogs work and of course the tasting. Thank you for making our vacation!

Summary: Les Pastras was an outstanding experience. If you are in the area, do not miss this (and it’s worth a drive if you are close, but not quite next door). Johann and his wife operate the farm and he was a wonderful and funny guide (he speaks excellent English, so do not fear a language barrier). We went truffle farming on an easy walking tour and learned about the practice of truffle farming and living in the area. This is an educational and delightful experience for all ages and activity levels. Highly recommended.

Summary: We didn't know what to expect from this program. It is held at a working truffle farm. You literally go out to the fields with the dogs and the farmers seeking truffles and learning about how they grow, how they are found, and how they are prepared to eat. Then, you have a veritable feast! It was a great experience!

Summary: My daughter and I had a fantastic experience on this tour. The tour was a small group, and we learned a lot from the farmer and his dogs and how he got into the truffle farming business. They take years to grow, and the dogs can sniff them out at the optimal time for harvest. No wonder they are so expensive! The best part was sampling truffles in several different ways. I would highly recommend this tour!

Summary: In early November, my husband and I found ourselves on a truffle farm, ready to take part in a unique experience. Yes, there are specific truffle farms, and we went hunting for black truffles. And no, this wasn’t one of those metaphorical hunts for inner peace or something of the sort, we were literally there, with muddy boots and curious looks, as the farmer explained everything about this delicacy: how it’s cultivated, how long it takes to harvest, the type of climate and temperature it requires, the market for it, and the crucial role of dogs in the whole process. Speaking of dogs (animals I’ve always been afraid of) they are the protagonists of the hunt. They are trained from a very young age to sniff out and dig up this fungus, which grows hidden in the roots of certain trees, like some kind of ancient secret of nature. They run, sniff, and dig while we stood nearby, trying to show the utmost respect for that solemn moment. I think I spent the entire experience with an exaggerated expression of admiration, like someone trying to fake knowledge about wine while also pretending to be a truffle enthusiast. But what can I say about truffles? These things are perishable, you know? Once they’re out of the ground, their shelf life is short. They last a maximum of four days, and each truffle takes years and years to grow. It takes patience, a bit of luck, and a great deal of reverence for nature to truly understand the value of each gram of this fungus. It might look timid and pale, but its flavor is… well, indescribable. A taste that goes beyond the palate and seems to blend with the smell and moisture of the earth, with the distant barking of dogs. Following the dogs as though following an ancient prophecy, the moment of tasting finally arrived. And the flavor of the truffle, no matter how hard I try to describe it, defies explanation. It’s intense, unique, and a little melancholic like everything rare and precious. In the end, we returned with the certainty that some experiences, and some flavors, only make sense in that brief instant, fleeting like the scent of rain that passes and fades away. Truffle hunting is exactly that: seeking something rare, with a short lifespan but an eternal flavor. And it’s something I love more and more each time. I wholeheartedly recommend having this incredible experience with Les Pastras, they made it truly unforgettable!