Mushroom Hunting in a French Forest
Go mushroom and blackberry picking with a French friend, learn what's safe to eat and what to do with your haul.
Going « aux champignons » is a much-loved autumn ritual in France, and pickers jealously guard their « coin » (secret spot) for cèpes and girolles. Many forests are private, and in some départements the préfecture limits how much you may pick per day, so check before you fill your basket. If you're unsure about a mushroom, a lot of pharmacists will still help identify your finds, and local mycological societies run checks too; in late summer the same paths are lined with blackberries, but watch out for ticks.
- 1
On va aux champignons dimanche ?
Shall we go mushroom picking on Sunday?
- 2
Il a plu toute la semaine, ça devrait donner.
It's rained all week, it should be a good haul.
- 3
Prends un panier, pas un sac plastique.
Take a basket, not a plastic bag.
- 4
Je vais te montrer mon coin secret.
I'll show you my secret spot.
- 5
Regarde, y a des cèpes sous le hêtre !
Look, there are ceps under the beech tree!
- 6
Celui-là, il se mange ?
Is this one edible?
- 7
Touche pas, il est vénéneux !
Don't touch it, it's poisonous!
- 8
Dans le doute, on s'abstient.
When in doubt, leave it out.
- 9
On peut les faire vérifier à la pharmacie.
We can get them checked at the pharmacy.
- 10
Coupe le pied avec un couteau.
Cut the stem with a knife.
- 11
Y a des mûres tout le long du chemin.
There are blackberries all along the path.
- 12
Attention, les ronces, ça griffe.
Careful, the brambles scratch.
- 13
On en a assez pour une omelette.
We've got enough for an omelette.
- 14
On a le droit de cueillir ici ?
Are we allowed to pick here?
- 15
C'est une forêt privée.
This is a private forest.
- 16
Je crois qu'on s'est perdus.
I think we're lost.
- 17
Vérifie que t'as pas de tiques en rentrant.
Check yourself for ticks when you get home.
- 18
On fera de la confiture de mûres.
We'll make blackberry jam.
- 19
Je vais les poêler avec de l'ail et du persil.
I'm going to pan-fry them with garlic and parsley.
- 20
Quelle récolte !
What a haul!