Division Reputation

The specific characteristics of ‘Rillettes de Tours’ have earned them a well-established reputation. They are the original artisan rillettes praised by Balzac, a native of Tours, in his 1835 novel The Lily of the Valley.

‘Rillettes de Tours’ have been popular throughout France since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1933 Curnonsky stated in Les trésors gastronomiques de la France: ‘the charcuterie of Touraine has acquired a universal and legitimate renown: ‘Rillettes de Tours’ have become known all over the world’.

Each year some 30 local butchers compete for the coveted title of maker of the best ‘Rillettes de Tours’. In 2011 the Paris General Agricultural Fair (Concours Général Agricole) paid tribute to the product’s reputation by opening a special ‘Rillettes de Tours’ section.