Le Grand Périgueux, through its president Jacques Auzou, reaffirms its financial support for events that enhance the region, foster community, and boost attractiveness. The Gourmet Book Festival, now in its 21st edition, is one of these major events.
During the inauguration, Michel Cadet, mayor of Périgueux, highlighted the festival's strength in that it "brings us together, it resembles us" and tells "the story of our territory's identity." Numerous officials from the Department, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, the CCI Dordogne, and the Chamber of Agriculture of Dordogne were present, emphasizing "the importance of traditions, agriculture, the gastronomy of Périgord, and transmission."
Marie-Claude Kergoat, Delegate Councilor for Le Grand Périgueux in charge of partnerships, added that the festival "sparks real reflection on good food practices, the link between a territory's identity, its inhabitants, its producers, its cuisine and gastronomy, its culture, traditions, and know-how."
This event, France's largest gathering dedicated to gastronomic literature, expects 20,000 festival-goers. This 21st edition's program is rich, including tastings, competitions, demonstrations, debates, and children's activities, with over 120 personalities (chefs, authors, publishers) in attendance. Three literary awards will be presented: the Mazille prize, the Dame Tartine prize (youth), and the Périgueux City Engagement prize.
Jean-François Piège, the event's Honorary President, interacted with local producers, encouraging them to "continue to value your know-how; cuisine cannot be invented without memory." The Michelin-starred chef, notably known for his role in "Top Chef," emphasized that "cuisine is about rigor, love, and work."
