Mattie’s dad took us to the forest where we can find girolle mushrooms, also known as chanterelle. Girolle is highly priced in France, and it is everyone’s favorite mushroom (at least in between the Frenchies I’ve met so far). I’ve never tasted or saw one until I came to France, and yes, it is good.

Since we came down to south of France, we had the mix of rain and sun, which I’ve been told as a good condition for girolles to grow. So one afternoon we drove into the woods to the Mattie’s dad’s secret spot for girolle picking. Last two times I went there in previous years, I had no luck and didn’t find any. Nevertheless I had fun both times exploring the forest, so I was excited to go again.

Mattie’s dad goes often for girolle picking during the season, and he is and dressed like an expert.

Mattie’s little brother and sister came along.

But before we went into the forest, we got sidetracked by picking blackberries. Some still tartly and some super sweet.

Once we got into the forest, it was covered with these purple flowers.

A knife is a necessary tool if you want to pick girolle like a pro. Mattie gave me this knife as a present last year, and I carry it around everywhere with me since. I don’t have much use while living in the city, but when we travel to the countryside, it finally shines.

So the search began. Third time’s the charm, and we started to spot golden mushrooms poking through the wet pile of leaves.

Midpoint check.

Another edible mushroom we found.

Also I ran into few other good looking mushrooms. But the rule of thumb is not to touch them if you don’t know them.

We had plenty for the dinner at the end. I stuck my head in the basket to take in their fruity smell. And I was satisfied : )

Me, proudly holding the basket full of girolles.

That evening, they were sautéed with chopped garlic and cream, and happily wend down to our bellies. Oh, I was satisfied once more.