Did you know that wild strawberries grow in Provence? I couldn’t believe it when Robin first pointed them out to me. In this climate, you’ll often find the plants taking refuge in the shade. They can be quite abundant. Once you recognise the distinctive toothed foliage, you’ll be seeing the little berries along the sides of paths and woodland all over the place. Fraise des Bois tends to grow in poor soils. For instance, we first discovered them all along the side of an abandoned lawn. They need more water than the typical landscape of the garrigue (craggy limestone rocks, lavender and rosemary that covers Provence). Therefore, foraging for strawberries in Provence is best in areas of dense green vegetation.
Fraises des Bois
The fruits that appear on stalks above the plant are tiny but coveted for their strong aroma. They are the unadulterated strawberry- delicious, to be savoured with respect!
If you can’t find them yourself, you can sometimes find these at the markets.
The Plant
Fragaria Vesca or wild strawberry is also known as woodland or alpine strawberry. In French, they’re called fraises des bois and you can actually buy them in plant nurseries and local markets.
Wild strawberries serve as beautiful decorations for cakes, flavourful jams or delicious sweets while hiking. Foraging for strawberries is just one of the pleasures of living in Provence.
For more foraging possibilities in Provence: Foraging/Wild Things
Don’t miss the annual Fête de la Fraise in Carpentras.
Love the strawberry drawing. Is it an old one?
it is!
Hello Ashleyt!could you tell where exactly wild strawberry could be found in Provence,please)I live in Avignon.thank you in advanced!
Hi Marina, I can’t give you an exact location. I found them on the border of a property I was working on in Lambesc. They are found in wooded areas and easier to spot in the Spring. I’ve also seen them around the Gorges du Verdon.