A Gourmet Guide to Truffles: Truffle Hunting on a Luxury Barge Cruise

What are truffles and where can they be found?

Truffles are fungi that grow on the roots of trees, gently hidden beneath the surface of the soil. Truffles are rare and difficult to find; their intense earthy flavour, popularly described as ‘umami’ or the ‘fifth flavour’ is extremely popular in fine dining and they are classed as an aphrodisiac.

Where are truffles found?

Truffles are mostly found in places with specific soil types and climates. Growing mostly in damp countries in southern Europe and the UK, they are found on the root network of specific trees like beech, hazel and oaks. The rarer ‘black truffles’ are commonly found in France and some parts of Europe, including countries like Spain and the UK. White truffles of the summer variety are more commonly found in Italy but are occasionally located in Slovenia and the Istrian peninsula.

What are the best French truffles to sample?

There are many different types of truffles but at European Waterways, we think the best truffles are French! Throughout the country, French truffles like the Périgord and Burgundy Truffle can be hunted – if you know where to look.

Périgord truffle – also known as the winter black truffle, or ‘black gold’, owns the scientific name of tuber melanosporum. With their dark brown colour, they’re by far the most common and sought after truffle in France. This winter truffle has a distinctive aroma, with tasting notes of garlic, mushroom and hazelnuts. It ripens during autumn and winter months and is usually found at a depth of as much as 30 centimetres below the soil. Named after Périgord, this type of French truffle is native to the Occitanie region.

Summer Truffle – also known as the Burgundy Truffle, has a scientific name of tuber aestivum. Found in almost all European countries, the summer truffle has a milder flavour than some types of black truffle, with an earthy taste that has nutty undertones, and hints of black pepper coming through. It is often referred to as ‘St John’s Truffle’ and is best known for its origins in the Burgundy region of France. However, it can also be found in the Occitanie region.

Where can I go truffle hunting?

At European Waterways, we offer guests an opportunity to experience a truffle-hunting demonstration for themselves! Only a short journey from the Canal du Midi, holidayers on luxury hotel barges Anjodi and Enchanté experience truffle hunting at the Minervois olive oil and truffle estate, Le Mas d’Antonin.

Be one of a select few visitors to Le Mas D’Antonin’s impressive estate, where they grow olive trees and cultivate precious truffles of the highest quality. Known by the English-speaking world as ‘black gold’, the Mas d’Antonin woodlands produce the Périgord truffle, otherwise known as the winter truffle. This mushroom is one of the most sought-after types of truffles in France because of its intense flavour, which adds another dimension to gourmet culinary dishes.

On arrival at the estate of Le Mas D’Antonin, visitors receive a private tour around the acres of woodland and agricultural land by the owners, hearing some background about the history and current uses of the landscape. The process of hunting for French truffles is explained in full, with an introduction to the talented truffle dog, Soïka, who helps to locate the truffles with its keen nose.

What are the best truffle flavoured dishes to try on national truffle day?

Prized in French cuisine since the times of Francis I, the truffle is essential to many well-known French delicacies. Fundamental to French cuisine are the gourmet truffle-infused dishes of Brouillade aux Truffes and Truffle-infused duck confit.

Brouillade aux Truffes – This delicious twist on the classic French dish of scrambled eggs, adds truffles for a premium twist. Brouillade aux Truffes uses plenty of French butter, eggs, cream and truffles to make the simple pan-fried scrambled egg. Serve on top of delicious sourdough toast for the ultimate breakfast.

Truffle-infused duck confit – If you love duck confit, then this delicious glazed duck leg dish is the French cuisine you’ve been waiting for. The duck leg is cooked as it usually is in the oven, with a beautiful truffle-infused glaze being added in the last five minutes to add an irresistible flavour. For the glaze, truffle oil, honey and truffle shaving are mixed, creating the ultimate aroma and taste.

For a full list of iconic French dishes that you can try when you visit, from freshly caught oysters to quiche Lorraine, then see our blog on classic French dishes.

Did you know?

On 2^nd May each year, the US celebrates National Truffle Day? Chocolate truffles are named after the forest mushroom with the same name, but are made, not hunted. They are created with sugar and cocoa and filled with a delicious soft ganache.

Chocolate truffles make the perfect dessert on national truffle day. If you like the idea of a detour to try the best French chocolatier in the Canal du Midi region then why not pay a visit to Les Galeries de Cacoe Fages in Toulouse. With walls lined with impressive chocolate sculptures, you won’t regret trying some of the truffles made at this famous French truffle creator.

Discover French truffles on a Canal du Midi cruise

If you love the idea of sampling some of the best French truffles in the Occitanie region, then make sure you book your place on a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways. Whether you choose to stay aboard Anjodi, Enchanté, or Athos, you can speak to one of our team today about booking your perfect Canal du Midi cruise, where there will be  plenty of truffles to be hunted and sampled!