France snails threatened by extreme heat and drought

Extreme heat and drought in France are threatening the availability of snails, a staple of French gastronomy. The country recently experienced its hottest summer since 1900 and its second driest, with rainfall approximately 40% lower than usual.

The Burgundy snail, a wild species found across Europe and a symbol of French cuisine, is particularly vulnerable due to its need for moisture. While traditionally gathered from the wild, intensive harvesting and agricultural changes led France to introduce collection restrictions as early as 1979. Currently, over 90% of snails consumed in Burgundy are imported.

Snail farmers, such as Hervé Menello, report significant losses when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius, as the snails remain inside their shells to survive the heat. To adapt, some producers are now farming different species that are easier to breed and more resilient to hot summers.