Apparently Gers and Tarn and Garonne are France's major producers of hazel nuts (noisettes). Grown industrially in France during the past 40 years, production is now the seventh highest in the world. And most are grown locally. They are harvested between August and November, preferably when the ground is dry because large machines sweep the ground to gather up the fallen fruits.
Different varieties are used either for confectionery or as edible nuts or ground for flour.
Here the Laguepie chestnut (chataigne) fair in October reminds us that this was once the most important area for that crop and the many walnut (noix) trees planted in gardens are another sign that it is an important area for nuts.
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