Périgord gastronomy is renowned for its quality products
In the heart of Périgord Noir, Domaine de Vielcroze perpetuates the know-how of walnut and truffle production, emblems of the Périgord terroir. Less than 4 km from our Slow Village campsite in the Dordogne, at the foot of the Château de Castelnaud, discover theWalnut Ecomuseum.
The history of Domaine de Vielcroze
At the foot of the imposing Château de Castelnaud, in the heart of an 18th-century farmhouse, theÉcomusée de la noix was created in 1996, surrounded by a 7-hectare organic walnut grove. The Vielcroze mill will be reconstructed identically on the site to perpetuate its ancestral method of extracting virgin walnut oil, a Périgord Noir treasure. Laurent Chambon, from a historic bourgeois family settled in Périgord Noir since 1792, seized the opportunity to develop his estate by exploring the Vielcroze truffle field and discovering its secrets.
Rooted in the Périgord region, Domaine Vielcroze passionately pursues its heritage of tradition and unrivalled excellence, producing authentic walnut oil at the Vielcroze mill and theAiguevive oil mill.
Over the years, Domaine de Vielcroze has established itself on the international market as a key player in the production and processing of walnuts and truffles from its terroir.
The Vielcroze estate
Le Moulin de Vielcroze
The Moulin de Vielcroze perpetuates ancestral know-how in the production ofvirgin walnut and hazelnut oil, and does so with respect for tradition. The mill operates all year round to produce a virgin oil with exceptional organoleptic qualities, which inevitably charms with its powerful bouquet.
L'Huilerie d'Aiguevive
In the tradition of Périgord oil mills,Huilerie d'Aiguevive sorts and presses kernels for both professional and private customers.
The Truffière de Vielcroze
The Vielcroze truffle farm celebrates the Périgord black truffle. Laurent Chambon, owner of the Ecomusée de la noix and the Domaine de Vielcroze, offers an initiatory approach to the Périgord black diamond. You can watch Laurent and his dog searching for the Périgord black truffle, take a tour of the Truffière and enjoy a tasting of croustous, the famous black truffle butter toast.
Visit the Walnut Ecomuseum
When you visit theEcomusée de la noix, you'll be immersed in the tradition and know-how of walnut and truffle production in an enchanting, gourmet setting.
During this 1h30 self-guided tour, you'll watch walnut oil being pressed in the traditional mill on the Vielcroze estate. You'll have a front-row seat to the traditional production of virgin walnut oil, and at the end of the tour, you'll be able to taste not only the warm, freshly pressed oil, but also a variety of walnut-based preparations, all in a convivial atmosphere.
Rates, opening hours and practical information
The Domaine de Vielcroze is open from 10/04 to 11/11 and during school vacations from 10am to 7pm, 7 days a week. From November 12 to March 31 (excluding school vacations), only the store is open from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive.
You can watch the oil being pressed in the traditional mill:
- In July and August, Monday to Friday, 2pm to 5:30pm.
- In April, May, June, September, October and school vacations, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm.
Visits to the truffle farm are by reservation only:
- In July and August, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am.
- In April, May, June, September, October and during school vacations, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30pm.
Prices vary from 4 to 8 euros, depending on your profile and whether it's a single visit to the Ecomusée de la noix OR the Vielcroze truffle farm, or a combined visit.
The Domaine de Vielcroze restaurant
La Cour du Moulin is open for lunch every day at Domaine de Vielcroze where you can share a delicious gourmet moment over a range of salads in virgin walnut or hazelnut oil, prepared with duck, walnuts and truffles in the Périgord tradition.