Richerenches: Truffles, Templar History and Trails

Richerenches brings together truffle culture and the history of the Templars. There are also trails through the surrounding countryside, varying in length and activity. When planning your trip, you can therefore first consider whether you are particularly interested in the museum, seasonal truffle offerings or the routes. The museum is open to visitors year-round; tastings and demonstrations are concentrated in the period from December to mid-March.

Truffle Museum and Templar History

The Musée de la Truffe et du Vin can be visited free of charge and at your own pace throughout the year. It is housed in the Templar commandery of Richerenches. Check the visitor information locally before your trip. Several architectural features from the Templar period have also been preserved as historical landmarks: the apse of the present-day church, the lower part of the Beffroi gate and the Maison Templière. These tangible remains give the town’s history an architectural dimension, while the museum’s name also refers to truffles and wine.

Winter Truffle Offerings

From December to mid-March, local associations offer tastings of omelettes with Tuber melanosporum every Saturday at lunchtime. Check in advance whether a booking is required. During the same period, truffle growers demonstrate truffle hunting with a truffle dog on Saturdays by appointment. These demonstrations therefore need to be arranged in advance; check availability before your trip.

The Truffle Fair is a separate event on the calendar. It takes place at Église Saint Denis on the third Sunday in January. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check that year’s programme. This helps distinguish the different offerings: omelette tastings are scheduled for Saturday lunchtime, demonstrations take place by appointment, and the fair is held on a Sunday in January.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The routes vary in length and the activities listed for them. Circuit 1 covers 16.35 km from Richerenches to Visan and back; it can be completed by bicycle or on foot. Circuits 2 and 3 are 8.5 and 11 km long, respectively, and are listed for VTC bicycles and hiking. Comparing the route lengths therefore provides a practical guide without treating the different routes as equivalent.

Circuit 18 is a walking route leading to Richerenches’ historic buildings. The easy circular R11 Entre Vignes Lavandes et Truffières offers a different perspective: it passes through the Richerenches countryside, including vineyards, truffle-growing areas and lavender fields. Before setting out, it is advisable to check local route conditions and signage.

Chapel and Craftsmanship

Chapelle Saint Alban lies among the vineyards of Richerenches and is easy to reach. It is documented as early as 1138—a historical landmark predating the town’s Templar buildings. At Les Alpagas de Bourbouton farm, alpaca wool and handcrafted products made from it are sold on site. If you would like to visit to make a purchase, check in advance what is currently available. When planning your trip, you can choose between historical sights, seasonal truffle offerings, routes and a visit focused on wool crafts.

Discover more destinations: Mirabeau, Ansouis, Puget, Carpentras, Faucon, Mazan, Morières-Lès-Avignon, Mornas.

For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.