Hello today, in this article I will introduce you to our local specialties…You may know the Mollet cake, the tarte au sucre, or even the Bare ass cracker…Here are some more native specialties from the Ardennes, more precisely from the territory Val d'Ardenne.
Local specialties:
The blue stone of Givet: This blue stone is an iconic symbol of the region, which is why a resident of Givet decided to make chocolate from it . This chocolate is made of dark chocolate ganache with a blueberry cream (a fruit found throughout the Ardennes forest) and coated in bluish chocolate , then lightly rolled in icing sugar to mimic the appearance of a blue stone.
Fumay slate or schist: This chocolate , not to be confused with the blue stone of Givet , is made with almond-hazelnut nougatine and then coated in blue chocolate . It represents the well-known rock that is very common in the towns of Fumay and Haybes , particularly on the roofs of houses.
Haybes White Pudding: Don't confuse it with the Rethel version, which is better known. Here's the difference between the two. Rethel white pudding is made from white pork, eggs, milk, shallots, salt, and pepper, without the addition of breadcrumbs or starch. It's often served plain , but you can also find flavored versions, such as with mushrooms or truffles , which highlight its subtlety and delicacy. Haybes white pudding , on the other hand, is distinguished by the use of top-quality fresh pork, as well as onions and spices. It's generally available plain or with onions , with a coarsely chopped mixture of cooked meat and onions. This pudding is a must-try specialty of the Meuse Valley, highly prized for its texture and flavor. It can be simply pan-fried with a knob of butter and enjoyed hot.
Although the white pudding from Rethel is better known , that from Haybes , with its varied recipes, offers a unique culinary experience , ideal for those looking for an authentic and tasty taste.
Where can you taste all these specialties:
Local beers:
BAH – Ardennes Brewery of Haybes
This microbrewery, originally from Haybes, offers five types of beer.
- the "Stockport”: beer brewed on the occasion of the centenary of 14-18.
- The "Triple": A Tripel type beer
- "Hayboise”: amber beer
- the "White deer”: blond beer
- "Laquette What new in the woods”: fruity beer with wild blueberries
At this brewery you can participate in beer brewing classes . These beers are, of course, available to discover at the microbrewery.
The Aubrives brewery:
This craft brewery is located in Aubrives , a village of brewers , not far from Vireux-Wallerand and Givet . Brewing ceased during the Second World War . Since May 2022 , operations have resumed on the site and now offer 5 beers called “XP” and 3 others available depending on the season.
- "XPone1”: sweet and mild blond beer with a floral flavor
- "XPtwo2”: amber beer with a hoppy caramel flavor
- "XPthree3”: white beer with notes of citrus and almond
- "XPfour4”: American-style IPA beer with notes of cocoa bean and vanilla
- "XPsix6”: white beer with red fruits
These beers are available at the brewery . The brewery is a retail outlet; tastings are possible for groups of 5 to 10 people . By appointment only.
It also offers an Escape room , located in the old brewery storeroom, where you will have one hour to escape from the brewing room and discover the brewer's secret .
Number of players: 2 to 5 maximum.
Forge Microbrewery:
A microbrewery created by Vincent, located in the small village of Rancennes , in the Ardennes region. He produces craft beers in small batches . These beers are:
- la Dorenne
- la Chawache
These beers are available at the brewery , on the Charlemagne boat menu , and in our shops at the Vireux-Wallerand and Givet Tourist Offices.
All these products are available in the restaurants, the butchers and shops offering local products. For all further information, meeting on their websites or Facebook page.
After reading this article, what is your favorite local specialty?
Themes
