The best pastry shops Deux-Sèvres

THE artisanal tourteau-cheese factory, the guarantor of centuries-old traditions and tricks of the trade. So it's here, almost in the middle of nowhere, that you'll have to learn all about this sweet UFO made with goat's milk and a soot-black grilled crust. Virtually 100% of the ingredients are local (except for the sugar), hand-brewed and baked at 285°. A household name, the house remains the darling of the major catering establishments; it was even invited to the Elysée Palace by the presidential pastry chef! Brioches and pure butter crushed prunes are also available.

Blandine and Laurent Cathala know how to pamper the gourmets in all of us. In their workshop-boutique, our senses are on the alert. In the windows, treasures to savor. Colorful macaroons in original flavors (lavender-honey or angelica), tempting pastries with chocolate, fruit... and why not both? Here, gourmandise is made up of small and large pleasures that change with the seasons. Nothing is off-limits, not even ice creams, chocolate bars and bonbons with grand cru, infused ganaches and pralines.

Les Papys Gâteaux are two lively retired men, creators of Niort's first madeleine. Based in the former Coulon dairy, the former businessmen took on the challenge of revisiting the famous Commercy jewel. While the recipe is kept secret, we do know that it is distinguished by its local ingredients: AOP butter from Echiré, eggs from their own countryside and flour from Courçon. Not forgetting a hint of lemon, lovingly squeezed by hand. They wanted to have fun, and it shows: you too can have a bite and have a good time!

This young (and very talented) pastry-chocolate-confectioner apprenticed with two Deux-Sévriens Meilleurs ouvriers de France, bakers Dominique and Thomas Planchot. After a spell at the Maison Flu (Niort), he took over the pastry-making reins at the Alexandra Palace, before finally daring to set up shop in the Bocage region in 2023. His credo: gourmet desserts accessible to all. Fine pastries, vintage chocolates, homemade jams and pralines... to bring you to your knees.