During this fabulous gastronomic event, top chefs and cooks, farmers, writers and restaurateurs unite to bring good taste - and the rich French gastronomic tradition - to the French public all over the country. The Semaine du Goût brings a mass of foodie events to the whole of France, from dégustations (tastings) to cooking workshops, demonstrations and gourmet exhibitions. Pleasure is the central theme, while vegetables such as asparagus and fruits like pomegranate are lauded for their sensual offering of taste and form.

The gastronomic education of children and young people is a priority. A determined team of some 3500 chefs is sent to French schools to initiate children into delicious and healthy cooking. Meanwhile, some 400 restaurants offer reduced price menus for students and special childrens' menus are served at selected restaurants in Paris and the French regions.

A village atmosphere is created in an initiative entitled des repas entre voisins - meals with neighbours. Each household cooks a meal and places a table outside in the street, for everyone to discover the joys of home cooking and local dishes.

Each region celebrates the joys of local produce and recipes with markets, cooking demonstrations, workshops and festivals.

Please visit the Tasting Week website for further details of events taking place all over France.