The Gentian Route: a tourist itinerary in France

In the footsteps of a legendary plant, between nature, know-how and tasting

Want to discover France in a different way? Take the gentian route , an initiatory journey to the heart of the mountains , between preserved landscapes, passionate producers and centuries-old traditions. From Auvergne to the Jura, passing through the Alps, follow the route of this wild plant which gives birth to one of the most emblematic aperitifs of the French terroir.

🗺️ What is the Gentian Route?

It is an unofficial tourist route , but increasingly popular with lovers of:

  • Medicinal plants

  • Craft spirits

  • Rural heritage

  • Slow tourism

The goal? To follow the life cycle of the gentian : from the mountain to harvest, from the root to the liqueur.

🏞️ Step 1 – Auvergne: mother land of gentian

🌋 Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Haute-Loire

  • Ideal altitudes between 1,000 and 1,500 meters

  • Rich volcanic soils

  • Gentian roots among the most renowned in Europe

To have :

  • Hiking trails on the volcanoes of Auvergne

  • Gentian pickers (“gentianaires”) in summer

  • Local craft distilleries

🌿 This is where De Michellot selects its roots, from small, committed producers and herbalists .

🏔️ Step 2 – The Jura: between traditions and distillation

🧭 Region of Saint-Claude, Morez, Hautes-Combes

  • Gentian present in the mountain pastures

  • Many historic distilleries (Avèze, Pontarlier, etc.)

To do:

  • Visit to taste or absinthe museums

  • Tastings of gentian liqueurs, yellow wine, Comté

  • Botanical hikes and bike rides in the Haut-Jura Park

⛰️ Stage 3 – The Alps: high altitude, rarity and heritage

🧭 Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère

  • Gentian less commercially exploited, but present

  • Protected areas where harvesting is highly regulated

To live:

  • Stays in a mountain refuge with an introduction to alpine botany

  • Discovery of endemic flora

  • Meeting with mountain herbalists and distillers

🍽️ Bonus step – Gourmet itinerary around the gentian

  • Gourmet restaurants using gentian in cooking (sauces, sorbets, desserts)

  • Cocktail bars serving creations based on artisanal gentian

  • Specialty shops selling rare liqueurs, medicinal plants, French spirits

👉 See the addresses recommended by De Michellot

🧭 Interactive map (to integrate on your site)

Add a map showing:

  • Traditional gathering places

  • Craft distilleries

  • De Michellot partner cellars

  • Suggestions for accommodation or tasting

💬 FAQ – The Gentian Road


Question Answer
Is there an official gentian route? No, but a natural route connects the production areas
Where does the best gentian grow? In Auvergne, on the volcanic slopes
Can we visit distilleries? Yes, some can be visited by appointment.
Can you pick gentian? Highly regulated, often prohibited without authorization
Can you taste gentian in bars or restaurants? Yes, more and more establishments are putting it in the spotlight.


🥃 From Michellot: in the heart of the gentian route

Our artisanal gentian liqueur is the culmination of this terroir, this history and this journey. Made in Lyon, from hand-picked Auvergne roots , it embodies the France of mountains and sincere taste .

👉 Discover Michellot’s gentian liqueur
📦 Fast delivery – Secure payment – ​​French artisanal manufacturing