You are starting to know us, at the Bandol tourist office, we are big foodies! And as the holidays approach, nougat will inevitably be part of our tray of 13 desserts. So we set off to meet Maison Jonquier, a Var nougat maker since 1885.
La Maison Jonquier: a Var institution
It is in the heart of the pretty Provençal village ofOllioules that there is an unusual shop. From the outside, you might think that it's just a sweets business like any other, and yet... Inside, recipes are as delicious as they are historical.
Here, one of the most famous desserts in Provence has been made for over a hundred years: nougat. If the Maison became known thanks to white nougat, today, we guarantee that the white, the black, the soft, the hard, with rose or plain, are all to die for!
Although we could tell you about the hours of this wonder, our goal is above all to share with you the discovery of the nougat factory that we had the chance to visit.
history of nougat making and sweet theory in Ollioules
We are welcomed by Benoit, manager of the factory and proud representative of the 6th generation of nougat makers. And what we can assure you is that as soon as you enter, the smells burst forth and your taste buds salivate.
The visit begins in the nougat shop area with a film retracing the history of the place and the step-by-step production of white nougat (a flagship sweet at Jonquier). All this, concluded with the interview of craftsmen, employees of the Maison, passionately recounting their profession.
From the start, all our beliefs are called into question! Well, all of them, no, especially one which still persists in the collective imagination: nougat does not come from Montélimar. We're blocking a corner for you, aren't we? It was actually left to us by the Romans who once cooked it not with almonds, but with walnuts. This confectionery called the Nux Gatum, literally walnut cake, would be renamed much later “nougat”.
Jonquier white nougat manufacturing workshop
After theory, it’s time for practice! The visit continues in the laboratory, a place of miracles for all sugar lovers. We are immediately informed that the nougat team is in the middle of the white nougat manufacturing season (last half of the year) and that the people working around us on the different manufacturing stages are in production. A godsend for observing professionals in action!
Benoit, like a sugar chef, then sits down at his workstation and we place ourselves in front of him to observe his every movement. Behind us, the other artisans are busy at different positions: mixing ingredients in the cauldron, cutting and weighing the nougat, shaping, etc.
The magic then begins to happen. Before our eyes, Benoit creates the House's signature recipe. Sugar, water, honey… and that’s it? Well yes, nougat does not require many ingredients, but a good dose of know-how! Then came the cooking, adding the almonds, shaping and resting. To finish on the last step and not the least, the tasting. The nougat is still warm, it's a real delight!
Sale of products and guided tour of Maison Jonquier
The visit obviously ended in the den of gustatory pleasures, also called “the bankers’ hell”, the boutique. On site, we have the choice between a multitude of products: nougats, spreads, chocolates, calissons, fruit jellies and even nougat creams. You can well imagine that we succumbed without struggling to bring back with us enough to last until the end of year holidays, or even until next summer!
In summary, we simply loved this guided tour of the nougat factory, a first for us. And the good news is that you too can experience it! Yes, because we haven't told you everything. Still full of fun facts waiting for you. And between us, have you already made nougat? Because we until now never. So for that alone, we assure you that the visit is worth the detour! As a bonus, the place is only about twenty minutes by car from Bandol and parking is available right in front. Fantastic isn't it?
HOW TO RESERVE/GET TO THE Maison Jonquier Nougaterie?
To book your visit and/or your workshop, nothing could be simpler, just click here:
If you prefer to go directly there, out of curiosity or a sudden desire for sugar, here is the address:
Jonquier House
16 rue Nationale
83190 Ollioules
Finally, for foodies living too far from us, an online store is available. Yes yes, we are telling you that you can have nougat delivered to your home. Be careful, highly addictive practice! Order here:
A visit to a historic nougat factory is the gift idea we offer you. An original attention to offer to loved ones or to yourself. Whether you are local or vacationing in our beautiful region, stop at the Jonquier House, gluttony, kindness, good humor and unusual discoveries are always there!
