Eaux-de-Vie great Tradition

Great tradition: Eau-de-Vie is an integral part of our cultural and gastronomic tradition. It is part of the memory of our ancestors and as such we have to pass it on.

The French Gastronomic Meal has been recognised by UNESCO as “Patrimoine Culturel Immatériel de l’Humanité” since 2010 and this is a source of great pride and pleasure.

The Gastronomic meal of French people is a traditional social event to celebrate the most important moments in the life of individuals or groups, such as new babies, weddings, birthdays, success and reunions.

It is a festive occasion when eating and drinking well becomes an art. The gastronomic meal stresses the conviviality of eating together, the pleasure of tasty food, the harmony between human beings and the produce of nature.

Among the main features of the meal are: the careful choice of dishes from the ever-growing number of recipes found in French cuisine, the insistence on good products, preferably local, with well-matched flavours, an excellent combination of food and wine, beautiful table decoration and a specific way of smelling and tasting what is served for maximum appreciation and enjoyment.

The gastronomic meal must respect a certain way of doing things; it begins with an aperitif and ends with a digestive with at least four courses between the two – a starter, fish and/or meat with vegetables, cheese and dessert.

People recognised as gourmets with expert knowledge of this tradition, make sure that it is kept alive and passed on orally and/or in written form to the younger generation in particular. The gastronomic meal draws families and friends closer together and strengthens social ties in general.

Source : Patrimoine Culturel Immatériel