truffle hunting at les pastras

This was an absolutely perfect experience. It was not a staged truffle hunt (as some places do). Our hosts Lisa & Johann were amazing. We learned so much, had great truffle treats, and adopted a few olive & truffle trees. Don't miss this.

We had a group of 10 friends rent a house in the Luberon, and were recommended to Les Pastras by Only Provence (wonderful agency, www.only provence.com). I was wary that it would be corny/tacky- but not at all! We had a fabulous experience and fell in love with Johann and Lisa. They are knowledgeable, gracious and enthusiastic. I would recommend a visit to anyone visiting the south of France, where truffles are critically important to the history and cuisine.For a group of foodies, it was terribly interesting. We had a long walk through the farm, asked lots of questions, learned about the soil, climate, fruit and olive trees, grapevines, oaks and truffles. The doggies and their mistress were brilliant. We had a very healthy haul of truffles. We felt so warmly invited by the Pepins, sharing their stories and opening their home to us. (Lisa is American, from Chicago, and Johann's family has had this farm for 3 generations.) The hors d'oeuvres and champagne were delicious and served in a manner to graduate from one taste to another, very well done, an education for the palate.Some of our group did commit to the tree sponsorship and we recently had a truffle party back in Houston. We all agreed it was a wonderful experience and enjoyed our visit immensely.

While planning for our Provencal honeymoon, we stumbled upon this review page and contacted the Pepin's for a truffle hunting tour. They responded to us almost immediately with confirmation of our booking (in English!) which was very much appreciated. We echo the reviews of everyone on how much we loved our visit- the hosts, farm walk, truffle hunting with the adorable dogs (successful despite visiting at the beginning of the season) and truffle/champagne tasting was a highlight of our entire 2 week trip. We loved it so much that we too adopted a tree and can't wait for our first shipment of Les Pastras truffles. They will be a wonderful reminder of such a special time- thank you Johann and Lisa! We can't wait to come back!

We went truffle hunting at Las Pastras with our group of 16. We loved the hands on experience of watching the dogs work. After that, we sampled the truffles and sipped champagne on the beautiful patio overlooking the French Countryside. Lisa and Johann Pepin spoke about truffles and their plans for their organic farm. And several of us adopted an oak (truffle) tree. We look forward to receiving our truffles. So much fun and great stories to share.

We visited Les Pastras at the end of a very busy day and were very tired upon arrival. But...afterwards the group agreed it was one of the best things we'd done. Lisa and Johann were terrific hosts and we really did find truffles (actually the dogs did). Learned a lot and enjoyed all of the tastings Lisa prepared after our hunt. We highly recommend.

This is a "must do" if you come to France - we loved it. Lots of fun, learned heaps and drank French champagne while sampling delicious truffles! The charming host and truffle hunter, dear little truffle dogs and the lovely countryside ( and our very productive truffling) all combined to make a delightful afternoon! Andrew and I would like to thank all concerned- and we EAGERLY anticipate our first delivery and news of our own personal truffle oak:). We wish you all the very best for the future.

Driving up the bucolic, winding road to Les Pastras was only the beginning of a lovely experience at Les Pastras. Not only did I learn so much about one of my favorite fungi, I got to taste it, smell it, and wash it down with champagne. The setting is beautiful; I can't think of a better way to spend a day in Provence...and I live here! Lisa and Johann were delightful hosts and I highly recommend this experience.

This tour was arguably our best in 7 weeks in Europe. With a large family it is often difficult to please everyone. From ages 6 to 68 our group had a fantastic time. Their passion for the land is evident and the fruits of labor delicious. Johann and Lisa have perfected this experience.

My wife & I recently visited Les Pastras for a Truffle tour & what a wonderful experience we had.Our hosts Lisa & Johann were just lovely. We were made to feel instantly welcome & what followed was not only interesting but we both left having learned so much about Truffles & also Olive Oil. (Which is delicious) I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Provence, you will not be disappointed. After hunting out Truffles with the hunter & his very clever dogs we were treated to a wonderful selection of Truffle treats prepared by Lisa which were absolutely delicious & accompanied by some very good Champagne. What could be better!! .Thank you Lisa & Johann Thor a really lovely time & we shall return.Karon & Martin Suffolk UK

My husband and I visited Lisa and Johann on their farm for a truffle hunt this week. It was hands down the best experience we had in Provence. They are incredibly kind and gracious hosts and were exceptionally professional and fun to be around! We not only learned a ton about truffles, but walked away with a better appreciation for running a farm! Johann was so knowledgable and a great teacher on the farm tour, and Lisa was an amazing host and chef when it came to the truffle and champagne tastings. If only we could take those cute truffle-hunting pups back to the states with us! :)This is a must-do if you visit Provence.

We were staying in the Vaucluse area in France and heard there was a truffle hunt in Cadernet. So we went online and booked. The hunt started at 6pm. As we approached the property we were met by a young man in a farmer hat and checked shirt waving us into his drive. The next thing we saw was a charming woman smartly attired in a black dress. This pair turned out to be Lisa and Johan the owners of Les Pastras. We immediately felt comfortable and welcomed with a refreshing drink of ice water. Once the truffle hunter arrived with his dogs we took off. The area was very close to the house and Johan gave a good overview of truffles and their propagation. The dogs performed well and in a very short time we had 155 grams of summer truffle. After the dogs and hunter left Johan showed us other aspects of his property including old grape vines and new olive grove. Lisa prepared some lovely tastings of the truffles prepared a few different ways and we all drank some lovely bubbly. In all it was a good couple of hours of education and friendship with a delightful young couple working hard to make their mark in this fabulous area of France.

Our family of 6 adults recently visited Johan and Lisa at their farm outside Cadenet, a little difficult to map, but we found it, part of the fun! We toured the farm with Johan, his friend and the cutest truffle dogs, mom Pouspous and Mirabelle, daughter. Lisa was busy preparing delicious simple small bites to savor the flavors of truffles and their olive oils. Did I forget the champagne! We had a lot of fun selecting our adoptive olive tree and enjoying the company of our hosts. They even recommended a restaurand in Loumarin and made reservations for us. Yes, I would endorse this experience.

Tourism experiences are often touted as authentic yet the reality can be very different. Not so the truffle hunting at Les Pastras - what a fabulous Provençal experience that is fun, educational and delicious! Johann and Lisa's passion for what they are doing shines through in both the guided tour and the beautifully presented tasting plates we enjoyed with several glasses of champagne after the tour (it's so hard to stop after one...) Not only did we learn about truffffles and go-a-hunting with the dogs but Johann also gave us a run down on the other produce being grown on the farm - olive groves, organic wine and honey to name a few. They are both great hosts and the whole experience felt like an afternoon spent with friends in a beautiful rural setting, sharing stories with some great food and champagne. Make sure to buy some of the truffle oil for sale, it is delicious and proceeds go a nominated charity in Haiti which is a great initiative. I will also be adopting a truffle bearing oak tree and waiting for my annual trove of truffles!

If you travel to Provence, this truffle hunting tour should not be missed! My husband and I had a really fun and great time at Les Pastras. It was really fun to see the dogs hunting the truffles and we had a wonderful walk around. The tour ended with an excellent truffle tasting session (much better than the famous truffle restaurant we went) in a cozy place. We adopted a truffle tree at Les Pastras and can't wait to receive our winter truffle later!!!!

My husband and I (both truffle lovers, now even more so!) had a wonderful time with Johann and Lisa at Les Pastras. We not only found our fair share of truffles, but the experience was truly brought to life by learning more about the way they are grown, getting a full tour of the farm and spending some time chatting (and sipping and tasting!) with Lisa and Johann. What a nice couple. We felt like we were old friends catching up (we're only slightly jealous that they get to stay there and live on the farm full time!) Thanks for a wonderful evening - we won't forget it!