Nestled in the medieval heart of the Dordogne Valley, the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda serves as both custodian and celebrant of one of the region’s most iconic, albeit contentious, gastronomic treasures: foie gras. Revered locally as an emblem of cultural heritage, foie gras is the centrepiece of an annual festival that underscores its enduring significance – the renowned Fest’Oie.
While foie gras often sparks debate beyond France’s borders, in the southwest of the country, it is a culinary legacy cherished by generations. And the festival, far from being a relic of the past, continues to thrive, drawing enthusiasts from near and far. This year’s event, set for March 1 and 2, testifies to this: tickets sold out within 25 minutes.
Eager gourmands had queued at Sarlat’s Tourist Office at daybreak, astonishing deputy director Katia Veyret, who told News Day FR: “Some people from Toulouse spent the night here to be sure to arrive this morning – they arrived first. It is beyond belief.”
Priced at €65, the coveted tickets offer an indulgent two-day celebration of foie gras culture, culminating in an all-you-can-eat foie-gras-based banquet. Katia said she understood that many people would be frustrated by the sell-out and promised the tourist office was looking at a better solution for 2026.

In the Dordogne Valley, foie gras tends to be a family affair, with know-how handed down from generation to generation. Its production actually dates back to ancient Egypt, when it was noticed that the birds naturally gorged themselves by eating much more than usual to prepare for their long migratory journey. By the 18th century, foie gras had firmly established itself in southwestern France, aided by the advent of maize, a crop ideally suited to the feeding process.
There is good news on the horizon, though, for anyone who is not a fan. In Alsace, foie gras producer Aline Meyer is experimenting with a method she calls ‘foie d’or’, inspired by the natural behaviour of the birds. This approach means the animals would no longer be force-fed but would be encouraged to overfeed naturally as the days shorten and their instinct is to prepare for migration.
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