La pogne de Romans: a museum for a regional product |
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 What would the Drôme be without la pogne, a brioche in the shape of a crown whose origin is claimed by the cities of Romans and of Valence? If the birthplace of la pogne remains difficult to establish, we do know that it dates to the Middle Ages, in all probability at the end of the 14th century, long before the invention of kitchen scales.
The measure of that time, the handful, or « poignée » gave its name to the la pogne which was made only at Easter, at the time when eggs, formally forbidden during Lent, became more abundant. In spite of a few disappearances in times of famine, la pogne valiantly traversed the centuries, gaining the famous touch of an orange blossom and sometimes even a touch of rum or lemon. And when decorated with pralines, it then takes the name of « Saint-Genix » in reference to the Savoyard commune where it received this embellishment for the first time. A secular epic for a regional product which even has its own museum. Within the framework of ancient bakeries, Pascalis, which is also the oldest Roman bakery, suggests we dive into the history of la pogne before tasting it, still warm. An ideal take-away delight, since la pogne stays fresh for several weeks..
Contact and information: www.pascalis.com
Photo: Pascalis
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Neighbouring France 
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