If you are told National 7…. Montélimar…. We immediately think: Nougat!
It is undeniable, this world-famous confectionery evokes the south of France, the holiday route, the break on the highway… We all remember biting into a Montélimar nougat. Perhaps you even have that childhood memory of losing a tooth there!?!!!!!!!!)
The history of the nougat of Montélimar
You are well at the gates of the sun, in the heart of the south, between the Ardèche and Provence, where you can hear the cicadas in summer and where the first lavender fields appear: welcome to Montélimar the nougat capital !
The nougat made its appearance in Drôme Provençale in the second half of the 17th century without it ever being possible to find the name of its creator ! We simply know that Olivier de Serres introduced the first almond trees to the region at the end of the 16ème siècle.
The history of Montélimar nougat was born thanks to the cultivation of almond trees and the breeding of bees: almond and honey being the two main ingredients of nougat !
For the little story…
The international reputation of nougat has been achieved thanks to Émile Loubet. A local man, born near Montélimar, he was President of the Republic from 1899 to 1906. It is said that he offered nougats to all the personalities passing through the Elysée. Thus, it made it possible to make this sweet treat known abroad.
The third factor that has made nougat known is the geographical situation of the city. Montélimar is ideally located on the holiday road. Many people stop there: it is the pause between the north and south of France.
Moreover, the Montélimar-Sud highway area is the busiest in summer, and you will see, nougat is very well represented there 😉
©Lionel Pascale
©V. Vedrenne
Where to buy Montélimar nougat ?
A little everywhere in the city and in the surroundings: shops, factories, confectionery… and on Provençal markets ! During your stay in Montélimar, take the opportunity to visit a nougat factory. Many nougateries offer visits to their manufacturing workshops. In the city centre, come and see this huge fresco on the pretty square of Europe, this little girl surrounded by nougat attracts our attention…
Did you know?
To qualify for the designation “Nougat de Montélimar”, the nougat must consist of at least 30% amonds and 25% honey, with at least 7% lavender honey. His recipe also includes sugar, egg white, vanilla and pistachios.
The country most in demand for nougat after France is England !
You are more of a soft or hard nougat?
The difference is in the cooking. In the hard nougat, the sugar is cooked at a higher temperature, which hardens it later. In the soft nougat, more honey and egg white are often added for the softness.
If you don’t know yet, all you have to do is taste it!