The mountains between the departments of Ardèche and Drome are home of Picodon, a soft cheese with a light mould coat and a subtle goat aroma.
The origin of this small spicy cheese, translated from the local dialect, can be traced back to the 14th century, since 2009 it has enjoyed EU-wide protection as an PDO product.

In Saou, a municipality with just 500 inhabitants, the cheese is being prepared for a brilliant festival in mid-July, which will wash around 10,000 visitors into the small village.
The participants are offered all kinds of activities: small concerts and musical hikes, painting and sculpture competitions.

There is a local market where you can taste not only Picodon but also other cheeses, wine, lentils and sausages. A colourful children's programme, a race (with milk cans in hand) or a fanfare parade provide entertainment.
And on Sunday the best Picodon is chosen.
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