The JAUMARD Brothers
We primarily produce and sell black truffles (Tuber melanosporum). The truffle reaches full maturity starting in mid-January.
We also sell summer truffles, or Saint John’s truffles, known as “Tuber aestivum” (with a hazelnut aroma), from mid-May to mid-August, as well as truffle-based products year-round.
This winter, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, we invite you to discover this fabulous mushroom—the black truffle—by going out to forage for it with our dogs, tasting it, and—why not?—spending a pleasant night at our farm.
Truffles will no longer be a mystery to you.
The truffle,
A family story at the foot of Mont Ventoux…
It all began in 1975, when Eric Jaumard inherited the family property—a 30-hectare fruit orchard—from his father, Albert. He then spent a year in California to further his training. Upon his return, he took over management of the orchard, growing peaches and pears. Albert suggested planting a few truffle oaks. The 1970s were a landmark period in the world of truffles with the introduction of mycorrhizal seedlings, which made it possible to inoculate the oak trees with the truffle fungus.
The first plot, consisting of holm oaks and white oaks, was planted in 1979, the year his son Frank was born, in keeping with family tradition. At the same time, he worked with INRA (the French National Institute for Agricultural Research) to improve our understanding of truffle groves. The research conducted made it possible to collect and analyze data to advance knowledge of truffle cultivation.
This collaboration lasted about ten years. Unfortunately, seedlings certified by organizations such as CTIFL or INRA do not guarantee truffle production. They guarantee mycorrhization. Once a young truffle tree is planted in a plot, many uncontrollable factors hinder the onset of truffle production. Based on our experience, the percentage of truffle-producing trees is around 20% of the plantation. This sapling, which was developed under ideal “laboratory” conditions, is then transplanted into a natural environment. The presence of soil-borne pathogens, other fungi, and molds are all unpredictable factors that hinder truffle production.
In 1988, Éric stopped growing peaches to focus on growing pears. At the same time, as a result of his research and his interest in truffle cultivation, he continued to hone his skills in truffle production by working closely with some of the leading figures in the field and drawing on the lessons learned from his partnership with INRA.
In 1991, he decided to stop growing trees and focus on selling his truffle harvest.
In 1993, Eric sold his first crop of truffles at the renowned Carpentras market at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
1998: The founding of “SARL La Truffe du Ventoux.” As his customer base continued to grow thanks to his professionalism and legendary charisma, he established his truffle trading company and launched his line of truffle-based products.
In 2003, a room was set up to offer customers truffle discovery days. The concept involves sharing the world of truffles. This includes a discussion, learning about the truffle tree, the famous truffle hunt in the truffle fields overlooking Mont Ventoux with a truffle-hunting dog, and finally, a truffle tasting.
In 2008, Franck, his eldest son, who had trained in the hospitality industry, joined the company. He brought his own unique perspective to the family business, which made it possible to expand the range of truffle-related services, notably by creating those famous truffle-themed tasting menus.
In 2012, Éric and Franck restored the rest of the farmhouse into a bed-and-breakfast; they now offer truffle-themed weekends.
In 2014, it was his second son, Alexis, who joined the family business. With a background in food engineering, he brought his expertise in food production and adapted it to artisanal manufacturing.
In 2019, the two sons, Franck and Alexis JAUMARD, took up the torch by launching their own brand: “Les Frères Jaumard, Truffle Producers & Dealers”
In fact, both sons have caught the truffle bug. More than just a passion, it’s actually their profession.
These days, it's hard not to notice the family Jaumard when she’s attending events in the region and around Mont Ventoux—starting with the Carpentras Tennis Open, the Côté Sud fair in Aix-en-Provence, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Spring Festival, the grape harvest festival in Avignon, and the wine festival in Vacqueyras and their presence at many wineries in the Ventoux and Côtes du Rhône regions for truffle and wine tastings.
By participating in our truffle discovery days, we don’t claim to unravel the mysteries of truffle production, but we are delighted to share our passion for this exceptional mushroom.