Fête du Picodon, Saoû ★ 4.4
Two-day Picodon festival in Saoû on the third weekend of July, as the organisers put it; the 2026 edition was held in July. The Picodon syndicate also lists a Picodon festival in Dieulefit in August.
NeighbourhoodPlanzolles, southern Ardèche
KindMuseum
Durationabout 40 minutes
PriceAdults 3.50 EUR, ages 7 to 18 1.75 EUR, under 7 free (the museum's own site, undated; check before travelling)
Rhone Valley wine and cheese
Saint-Marcellin with Saint-Joseph blanc
Our pickOn the advice of sommelier Sébastien Maucarré, the Saint-Marcellin consortium suggests Rhône whites such as Saint-Joseph. A Marsanne-Roussanne white has the weight to meet the soft style's dried-fruit, honey and cream notes.
Saint-Félicien with Crozes-Hermitage blanc
Our pickThe accords-mets-vins.fr guide names Crozes-Hermitage blanc first in its answer on white wines for this creamy, slightly milky cheese. A dry Marsanne-Roussanne white raised in used barrels cuts the richness without the heavy oak or sharp acidity the guide warns against.
Rigotte de Condrieu with Condrieu
Our pickINAO says the cheese goes particularly well with the white wines of the neighbouring Condrieu appellation, and the two appellations share a festival every 1 May. Viognier's floral richness meets the firm, smooth paste with its hazelnut and forest-floor notes.
Location
Address: Quartier de l'Église, 07230 Planzolles, Rhone Valley
More cheese experiences in Rhone Valley
Guided visit and tasting at GAEC des Baratons ★ 4.4
Guided visit of a goat dairy making Picodon AOP, with a free tasting; guided visits are compulsory for individuals and groups. Group rates start at 20 people, and groups can be up to 55.
Farm and cheese-room visit at GAEC Chez Amandine ★ 4.2
Guided visit of a goat farm of about 100 animals and its cheese-making room, on reservation, for individuals and groups. The cheeses run from faisselle to Picodon.
Dairy visit and milking at Les Chèvres de Bézaudun ★ 4.2
Tour of the goat house or take part in the milking at an organic Picodon farm under Mont Couspeau, by appointment, for individuals and groups. The tourist office listing dates from January 2025; the farm's Facebook page was posting in September 2026, so call ahead.
Cheese tastings at La Chazère, Valence ★ 4.3
Tastings of local cheeses at the Valence fromagerie from June to September, with registration at the shop.
Group tasting at La Tomme Capra ★ 3.9
Group cheese tastings at a goat dairy making Picodon AOP, tommes and faisselle, all year by appointment. The dairy's own site says groups of up to 40; the 2023 tourist office listing gives 15 to 100. Parking on site.
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