The best culinary specialities in the Ardèche

A staple of Ardèche cuisine, crique is a family favourite. This easy-to-make patty made with chopped potatoes and seasonings such as salt, pepper, onion, garlic and egg is served as a main course all year round.

A luxurious, leafy setting awaits curious epicureans eager to sample chef Stéphane Polly's personalised, revisited recipe. At the Le Vivarais restaurant, which has been awarded a Michelin star for over five years, the high standards are reflected in the curves of his finely revisited recipe for Ardèche creek.

Address: 5 Av. Claude Expilly, 07600 Vals-les-Bains Opening times: 12.00 - 13.30 / 19.30 - 21.00 Wednesday to Saturday (open for lunch on Sundays during the summer)

A recipe with Polish origins, the pantin d'Annonay is a sweet treat that appeals to young and old alike. Traditionally eaten at Easter and on Palm Sunday, these pink biscuits are the pride of the town.

In the Olagnon patisserie workshops, the puppets are prepared using biscuit dough, orange and coloured icing, before being shaped into little men, hot-air balloons or animals. The secrets of the Annonay puppet are not all revealed to the general public...

Address: Les Platanes, Rue Sadi Carnot, 07100 Annonay Opening hours: 7am - 12pm / 1.30pm - 7pm Tuesday to Friday, 7am - 12pm / 1.30pm - 6.30pm Saturday, 7am - 12pm Sunday.

Picodon is a small, round cheese made from whole, raw goat's milk, and has been produced in the Ardèche since the 14th century. This piquant little cheese can be enjoyed more or less tender, with more or less spicy flavours. From a maturing period of a few days to several months, the smells and tastes vary and intensify.

In the south-west of the Ardèche, in the market town of Joyeuse, Picodon has pride of place in the window of the Comptoir Fromager. Sorted by age in crates, the remarkably subtle cheeses are housed in this pretty cellar-like shop. Charcuterie, cheeses and wines are shared between the stalls of a passionate team, who take the time to advise novices in the field. To accompany a fine mixed platter, opt for the surprising "La Goutte du Seigneur" wine, the cellar's must-have!

Address: 81 Avenue François Boissel, 07260 Joyeuse

Opening times: 9am - 1pm / 3pm - 7pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 9.30am - 1pm / 3pm - 7pm on Fridays.

Often eaten glazed or creamed, chestnuts are one of the sweet culinary specialities much appreciated in the Ardèche and beyond. Did you know that they are actually chestnuts? Chestnuts aren't actually edible, but the delicious treats sold around the world with "marrons" in them are actually made from chestnuts...

In Aubenas, a small historic town overlooking the valley, chestnuts are an institution. For over 100 years, Maison Imbert has been making marrons glacés and cream using the region's traditional know-how. On a crêpe, in a yoghurt, on a slice of bread or even with a spoon... this Proust's madeleine appeals to many taste buds.

Address: 455 Chem. du Lac, 07200 Aubenas

Opening times: 8.00am - 12.00pm / 1.30pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday

Whether eaten hot or cold, caillette is one of the most popular savoury dishes in the Ardèche. Pork, chard or spinach and herbs make up these balls of stuffing wrapped in crépine. Sometimes considered to be from the Ardèche, sometimes from the Drôme, the origin of caillette has led to rivalry between the two neighbouring departments. But the rivalry is quickly erased by the conviviality of the tasting!

For travellers with little experience of Ardèche cuisine, head for the Café des Serres, perched high in the mountains. With its breathtaking panorama and warm welcome, it's the perfect place to discover local specialities! Too difficult to choose? Opt for the Saveurs du Pays plate, which will introduce you to many local flavours, in small portions; caillette, crique, saucisson, melon, goat's cheese...

Address: Le Village, 07530 Vallées-d'Antraigues-Asperjoc Opening times: 12pm - 2pm / 7pm - 10pm

Alongside the Picodon, the macaroon can be seen in the streets of Joyeuse. Made from hazelnuts or almonds, this crunchy, lightly caramelised biscuit has been shaped by local hands for over 400 years. Maison Charaix has built its reputation on this traditional delicacy, which tourists and locals alike love.

Address: Rte nationale, 07260 Joyeuse Opening hours: 9am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, 9.30am - 12.30pm Sunday