It’s not just the Dales that will double as a stage of Le Tour De France in 2014, the county’s great grub is more than a match for best from across the channel according to a local foodie.
“Yorkshire is the only county in England with a larder that betters France for quantity, quality and tradition. So where else could Le Tour possibly start?” says Yorkshire Food Finder boss Sue Nelson (above) whose guided gourmet tour company puts foodies in touch with the county’s top producers and chefs
“We’re the biggest beer, rapeseed, pork and seafood producer in the UK, and when it comes to beer, Yorkshire is a frothy head above the rest with more than 130 real ale brewers producing more than 920 different beers.”
Sue is developing a special Yorkshire Food Findertrail around Le Tour’s Grand Depart on July 5 and 6 next year, says, like France, Yorkshire is home to thousands of talented artisan food and drink producers.
“They’re creating fabulous food but without the legendary status enjoyed by producers on the other side of the channel! Our cheese, for example, is spectacular – think of award winners like Barncliffe Brie and Harrogate Blue – our Givendale and Dexter beef easily give French Charolais a run for their money as do our free-range poultry.
Sue’s company has 30 artisan food trails available for 2013 featuring a selection of these fabulous foods and award-winning producers. It will be developing a special trail for Le Tour traversing the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire moors and coast, the Dales and David Hockney’s beloved Wolds of East Yorkshire.
The trails start at £95 per person, including transport, tour and either lunch or dinner. The trails are designed for a maximum of 12 people and last between six and 10 hours.
Click here to book with Yorkshire Food Finder
