The sweet chestnut is celebrated in Ardèche !

The Ardéchois inhabitants are passionately devoted to the sweet chestnut. The fruit of "the breadfruit tree", so called as it often prevented famine to the population. So, every year in autumn, it is jubilation during the Castagnades with numerous joyful activities.

To enjoy it even more, one can opt for a weekend in the Petite Cour Verte, a charming guest house installed in a 16^th century country house. For three days, you will discover the sweet chestnut,

Listening to Laurent, sweet chestnut grower and organic farmer who talks about the sweet chestnut as no one else does. Back home with Henri, by the big fireplace while tasting the "castagnou", an aperitif made with white wine and sweet chestnut liquor, while he tells stories about "Sweet chestnut, its country and people". While drinking his words, one warm one's hands around the roasted chesnut.

Everything can be made with the sweet chestnut; soup, nicely called "cousina", gratins, marrons glacés and jams that one can learn to make during the weekend and have the pleasure to take back home.

Of course, it is necessary to explore the region, collect the sweet chestnuts yourself (with gloves so as not to prick oneself with the "husk"), profit from local festivals, local produce markets which are held in multiple villages such as Joyeuse very close, but also Desaignes, a charming medieval village.

A big jump into the past and ardéchois customs that will not prevent one from taking advantage of the 30°C indoor swimming pool, with swimming against the current, bubbling baths, sauna and hammam at the Petite Cour Verte. Undoubtedly each period has its own charm!