Périgord Walnuts

Périgord Walnuts are more than just a local crop, they’re a cornerstone of the Dordogne’s culinary heritage. Their oil, affectionately known as “Yellow Gold,” is prized for its rich, nutty flavor and artisanal production. In 2021, this regional treasure received European recognition with a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label, a mark of its authenticity and deep connection to the land.

These days, a new generation of walnut producers is transforming the local industry, introducing immersive tours that offer visitors a fresh perspective on this age-old craft. Take Les Noyeraies du Lander, for example, an initiative born from the friendship of Paul Dieudonné and Damien Peboscq. The two childhood friends joined forces to take over the Aussel family’s walnut orchard, nestled in Sarlat along the famed Périgord Walnut Route.

Paul, descended from seven generations of millers, brought his deep-rooted knowledge of traditional practices. Together with Damien, he envisioned a new kind of tour, one grounded in respect for nature and people, and centered around discovery and the pleasures of good taste. Their concept offers a contemporary way to celebrate and preserve the region’s walnut-growing heritage.

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Photo credit NOYERAIES DU LANDER for previous and next image.

You can also follow the odyssey of Périgord walnuts at the Bocerno oil mill in Plazac, nestled in the heart of the Périgord Noir. This newly established mill produces exceptionally refined, cold-pressed, single-variety oils, crafted from walnuts harvested in local orchards, many of which are now being transitioned to organic farming. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where each drop of oil tells a story of soil, season, and savoir-faire.