The Comtat-Venaissin is the historical birthplace of the strawberry. By the 19th century, trains left Carpentras laden with strawberries for export. Gariguette, Ciflorette or Cléry are all names that foodies immediately associate with delicious flavours.
Most of the Vaucluse production takes place in Comtat-Venaissin (historical land extending just beyond the plains of Ventoux). This area, where mostly vegetables used to be grown, was nicknamed "the Garden of France". The Carpentras strawberry is now even known by French Presidents.
Strawberries can be eaten from March till June.
It is one of the season’s fruits with the highest fibre and vitamin C contents.
Do stop at a producer’s who does farm sales. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Finally, remember that during your pastoral wanderings in Vaucluse, you can find wild strawberries at an altitude of 300 to 1,700 metres. They are very flavoursome but the fruits are few and it is safer to buy grown strawberries at markets.