Does a truffle hunting visit guarantee that you will find truffles?
No. A truffle hunting visit guarantees neither the number nor the size of truffles found, nor even that any will be found during your outing. The price covers a discovery programme with the dogs and a tasting, not a quantity of harvested truffles.
At Les Hermessaines, near Suze-la-Rousse, you can enquire about discovering the truffle groves throughout the year. Hunting for Tuber melanosporum with dogs takes place in winter, generally from December to March, depending on maturity and conditions. Requesting a date outside this period therefore does not reserve a search for ripe black truffles.
Climate and water availability affect truffle production. The INRAE article “Coup de chaud sur la truffe”, published in 2017, explains these links; it does not forecast the estate’s harvest. Even in peak season, a photograph of a past harvest cannot guarantee the result of your outing.
What you can observe
When a search is possible, you can observe the work of the dog and handler. Our explanation of truffle hunting describes their roles. Visitors are not routinely promised the opportunity to handle the dog or use tools.
Ask what programme is planned if the search produces nothing. Distinguish this from an outing that cannot take place: finding no truffles does not mean the visit has been cancelled. The quotation and contract specify the programme and the terms of any postponement.
What the €99 price includes
The truffle hunting visit at €99 including VAT per person lasts 3 hours and includes the welcome, discovery of the truffle groves, hunting with the dogs and a tasting pairing truffles with wine. It is conducted in French only, even though the website is translated. Wine is for adults only; an alcohol-free alternative is offered. The tasting content is specified in the quotation.
No truffles to take home are promised at this price. Purchases of truffles and bottles are optional and separate. Before ordering truffles, have availability, weight and price confirmed. Gift boxes have their own price including VAT and packaging.
Visits can be arranged any day for up to 40 people, including adults and children, only with a quotation, a contract and a confirmed appointment. Groups can contact us about a preferential offer. A postponement may be agreed, particularly if it rains.
In your truffle grove visit enquiry, give your possible dates and the number of adults and children. Say whether you would also like to buy truffles. The guide to black truffles, Tuber melanosporum helps distinguish species, origin and product formats.