Luxeuil ham

The rebirth of a tradition

Among the emblematic local products of Haute-Saône, Luxeuil ham stands out for its incomparable history and flavour. This top-of-the-range product is a key feature of Haute-Saône gastronomy.

Once threatened with extinction, Luxeuil ham is now enjoying a renaissance thanks to the passion and expertise of local producers. A dedicated association is working to promote it, developing new recipes to showcase the product.

A gastronomic heritage Rooted in history

The origins of Luxeuil ham go back to the Sequans, the Gallic people of Franche-Comté. Mentioned for the first time in the 19th century, this ham carries on the tradition of Comtois cured meats. Its traditional production gives it a creamy texture and subtle flavour, recognisable by its light brown rind and pinkish flesh.

Luxeuil ham in chiffonade with griottines - Luxeuil les Bains - Vosges du Sud — ©Luxeuil ham |Office de Tourisme Luxeuil-les-Bains

The exceptional quality of Luxeuil ham is based on strict specifications:

Exclusive use of labelled pigs from Haute-Saône or Franche-Comté.
The ham is hand-rubbed with dry salt and flavoured with red wine from Arbois or Haute-Saône, juniper berries and spices.
Minimum maturing period of 9 months, extended to 11 months for the “Grande Réserve” version

In Luxeuil-les-Bains and the surrounding area, ham is everywhere: shops, dryers, farms, restaurants… Don’t miss the visit to the dryer in the heart of the town for a gourmet and original tour where you will discover the salting, smoking and drying techniques for Luxeuil ham.

Subtle flavours

Tasting Luxeuil ham reveals all its rich flavour when it is cut into thin slices. Its complex aromatic profile, enhanced by a light pine-smoking, is fully expressed in this way, whether plain or in a variety of culinary preparations.

The subtlety of its curing also makes it ideal for bold combinations with sweet flavours. Indeed, it’s not unusual to see it served as a starter, thinly sliced and accompanied by melon, creating a striking taste contrast.

Remarkable taste site

Luxeuil ham was awarded the “Remarkable Taste Site” label in 2023 and a bronze medal at the Concours Général Agricole in 2024.

It is regularly honoured. There are two not-to-be-missed events where you can discover this exceptional product in Luxeuil itself:

The night markets: every Tuesday evening in July and August, craftsmen, producers and restaurateurs bring the town to life in a warm and friendly atmosphere. You can taste Luxeuil ham in recipes and on the stalls.
Taste Week: in October, the Tourist Office and its partners organise events for Taste Week. Tastings and visits to workshops highlight the know-how surrounding Luxeuil ham.

Crowds and stalls at the Luxeuil-les-Bains Night Market - Vosges du Sud — ©Night Market - Luxeuil-les-Bains|Eric Marguet

A whirlwind of deliciousness

Luxeuil ham has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to an innovative creation: the Luxeuil swirl. This speciality, the brainchild of Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Drouhet, caused a sensation when it was presented on the TV show “La meilleure boulangerie de France” on M6 in 2021.

The result is a delicious combination of flavours: focaccia bread wrapped around a filling of red wine onion jam, Morello cherry juice and the famous Luxeuil ham.

The preparation, held together by a raffia string, is then placed in the oven. This final baking process caramelises the outside while preserving the soft centre, creating a textural contrast that delights the taste buds.

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