Roast Bresse chickenRoast Bresse chicken
©Roast Bresse chicken|G.Brevet

Queen of poultry Bresse poultry (PDO)

Bresse poultry, a favorite of top chefs, is cherished by Bresse breeders.

Well behaved and well accompanied

Bresse poultry is distinguished by a tradition of rigorous breeding that guarantees its quality. It is raised in the traditional way. It grows serenely for 8 months in a meadow before fattening for 4 weeks on a healthy, controlled diet.

Plucked by hand, the bird is wrapped in a fine vegetable cloth sewn like a corset. The body is tightly molded to optimize the tenderness of the meat.

Bresse poultry stands majestically on the tables of Michelin-starred chefs. Ideally served with a Bugey AOC wine, an oak-aged Pinot Noir or a Mondeuse from a sunny vintage.

Portrait of Georges BlancPortrait of Georges Blanc
©Portrait of Georges Blanc

The flesh is tender, even melting. This is what earned it the nickname “moelleux” in Parisian market halls.

Les Glorieuses de Bresse Showcase of exceptional poultry

As the end-of-year festivities get underway, the “Glorieuses de Bresse” begin: in December, since 1862, four competitions have taken place in Bourg-en-Bresse, Louhans, Montrevel and Pont-de-Vaux to distinguish the best poultry and reward the breeders. The ritual is well established:

  • At 5 a.m., breeders arrive with their capons, poulardes, chickens and turkeys, which have to be stripped and lined up harmoniously.
  • At 7:30 a.m., it’s time for the jury to elect the best Bresse fine poultry breeders.
  • Once the winners have been chosen, it’s off to the market…

To find the star of your end-of-year tables, this is the event not to be missed!

13 600 poulardes

Production/year

10 100 capons

Production/year

3 kg

Minimum poultry weight

Well-rolled poultry

Emmailotage de la volaille de Bresse
Emmailotage de la volaille de Bresse
Emmailotage de la volaille de Bresse
GOOD TO KNOW

Blue, white and red, the colors of Bresse poultry

The immaculate plumage of the Bresse fowl is entirely white, highlighted by two smooth blue legs. As for the crest, it’s bright red, simple and highly serrated, matching the red barbels that hang below the beak. More than a bird, it’s a flag!

Bresse poultry can also be recognized by its plump, well-fed silhouette, which promises tasty flesh.

RESTAURANTS AWARDED THE SAVEURS DE L'AIN LABEL Where to eat Bresse poultry?