The Périgord Walnut: A Gourmet Treasure of Autumn in Dordogne
In Dordogne, every season has its delights. In summer, it’s all about lively gourmet markets and sun-drenched vineyards. But as soon as autumn arrives, another star takes the spotlight: the Périgord walnut. You’ll find it everywhere – in orchards, on market stalls, and of course in traditional local recipes.
The Périgord Walnut, a fruit rooted in tradition
Walnuts have shaped the Dordogne landscape for centuries. Today, they benefit from the PDO label “Noix du Périgord”, a Protected Designation of Origin that guarantees quality, authentic local cultivation, and savoir-faire passed down through generations.
The harvest takes place in September and October. Some prefer them fresh – crunchy and delicate – while others wait until they are dried to enjoy them all winter long. And then there’s the famous Périgord walnut oil, with its unique nutty flavor, still used to dress hearty “salade périgourdine”.
How to enjoy Périgord walnuts
Walnuts can be enjoyed in countless ways:
- Simply on their own, as a healthy snack
- In salads with chicory, apples, or cheese
- In a traditional Périgord walnut cake, a family favourite
- Or even as a garnish for savoury dishes
Walnut wine, a typical Dordogne aperitif
One recipe that many travellers remember is walnut wine. Prepared in spring with still-green walnuts, the mixture macerates in red wine, a little brandy, and sugar. After several months, it becomes a smooth and aromatic drink, perfect to serve as an aperitif.
Our homemade recipe at La Petite Auberge
Every year, we make our own version:
- 40 green walnuts, quartered
- 4 litres of red wine
- 1 litre of brandy
- 1 kg of sugar
Mix everything, let it rest for about two months, then filter. All that’s left is to share around the table – simple, but always a delight.
💡 Did you know?
Green walnuts for walnut wine are picked around St. John’s Day, June 21st, when the shell is still soft and the flavour perfectly balanced.
Even better with figs
At the same time of year, figs also arrive on the markets. They pair wonderfully with walnuts: in a goat cheese salad, roasted with honey, or baked in a tart. In Dordogne, you’ll often see figs and walnuts side by side at local markets – the perfect symbol of autumn.
Where to find Périgord walnuts
If you visit Dordogne in autumn, don’t miss the markets: you’ll find fresh and dried walnuts, walnut oil, walnut cakes, and of course walnut wine. Some villages even hold walnut festivals, such as in Saillac.
A perfect reason to visit Dordogne in autumn
Autumn in Dordogne is magical: vineyards turn golden, markets are brimming with seasonal produce, and the air is soft and welcoming.
At La Petite Auberge, we love sharing these simple pleasures with our guests. After a walk or a visit to a medieval bastide, nothing beats a glass of homemade walnut wine or a slice of fig and walnut tart.
👉 Dreaming of discovering Dordogne in autumn? From a cosy studio for two to a spacious house for fifteen, our gîtes welcome you at the heart of the Périgord Pourpre.
Keep exploring Dordogne
If this article inspired you, you may also enjoy:
- 🍷 Villages to visit in Périgord Pourpre: our 5 favourites>>
- 🌳 What to Do in the Dordogne in September and October 2025>>
- 🍄 The Black Truffle of Périgord: the diamond of winter>>
These guides will give you even more ideas to plan your stay and make the most of the region.