France in Strawberry Season: A Sweet Spring Escape
- lauren
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
There are few things more fleeting—or more delicious—than peak strawberry season in France.
For just a few short weeks in late spring, market stalls from Bordeaux to Brittany overflow with sun-warmed berries. And in one quiet corner of the Dordogne, the town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne goes all in. Their annual Fête de la Fraise(Strawberry Festival) is a charming, slightly over-the-top celebration of everything red, ripe, and perfectly sweet.
If you’re looking for a relaxed spring escape built around food, scenery, and something delightfully unexpected—this is it.
A Festival Worth Traveling For
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne may not be on your radar yet, but it should be. Set along the river, the medieval village is all stone buildings, flower-lined paths, and warm hospitality. And once a year in May, it becomes the strawberry capital of France.
The Fête de la Fraise features:
A strawberry tart the size of a small car (yes, really)
Producers from across the region selling Gariguette and Mara des Bois varieties
Music, parades, and a distinctly joyful energy
Market stalls offering fresh berries, strawberry liqueur, jams, pastries, and more
It’s festive without being crowded, and it still feels local. The kind of place where you’ll end up talking to a farmer or a pastry chef between bites.
What Makes French Strawberries So Special?
France grows over 50,000 tons of strawberries annually, and many of the most prized varieties are grown in the southwest. The Gariguette—long, slender, and intensely fragrant—is the star of the season. It’s picked fully ripe and sold only during a short window in April and May.
Other varieties like Mara des Bois and Charlotte offer slightly different flavor profiles—some floral, some honeyed, all unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store back home.
Strawberries aren’t just dessert here. You’ll find them in salads, sauces, and paired with local cheeses. They're a springtime obsession, and rightfully so.
A Long Weekend Itinerary for Strawberry Season
Here’s how I’d structure a 4-day escape that builds around the festival and the region’s food and wine.
Day 1: Arrival in Brive-la-Gaillarde → Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Fly into Brive or arrive by train from Paris or Bordeaux
Private transfer to a charming hotel or countryside guesthouse near Beaulieu (think riverside inn with views of the valley)
Settle in with a casual dinner featuring local spring vegetables and regional wines (look for red from Cahors or a crisp white from Gaillac)
Day 2: Fête de la Fraise
Spend the day at the Strawberry Festival
Watch the tart assembly and try a slice fresh from the oven
Shop for gourmet souvenirs: strawberry vinegar, liqueur, confiture
Join a private walking tour of Beaulieu’s historic quarter in the late afternoon
Dinner at a Michelin-recommended bistro with a seasonal tasting menu (yes, strawberries will likely show up more than once)
Day 3: Market Morning + Countryside Wine & Food Tour
Morning visit to the market in Martel or Bretenoux
Meet a local guide for a food-and-wine-focused countryside tour
Tastings may include walnut oil, goat cheese, Szechuan pepper grown locally, and Cahors Malbec from small producers
Optional stop at a local farm to see berry production firsthand
Evening at leisure back at your hotel, with an optional chef-led cooking class
Day 4: Picnic & Departure
Breakfast on the terrace
Curated picnic with strawberries, local cheeses, cured meats, and a bottle of wine to enjoy by the river before departure
Private transfer back to Brive or onward travel
Want to Go? I’ll Handle the Details.
This part of France feels untouched by mass tourism—quiet but deeply rewarding. Spring is the perfect time to go. Mild weather, wildflowers everywhere, and produce at its peak.
If you're dreaming of a trip that moves at a slower, sweeter pace—let's plan it. I’ll build an itinerary around your style, pace, and appetite.
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