Gastronomy in Poitou Charentes, France

Poitou-Charentes has a wealth of extraordinary gastronomic delights, with  its wonderful climate allowing for a wealth of natural products which provide a healthy and authentic cuisine.  Why not sample some of these delights at one of the many famous restaurants.

Cognac
The vineyards given over to "Cognac" cultivation stretch out over Charente, Charente Maritime and Deux Sèvres. There are six main area : Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, the Borderies, the Fins Bois, the Bons Bois, the Bois Ordinaires (fine, good, ordinary ).

Marennes-Oléron oysters
An alliance of sweet and salty waters along with a sunny climate renders the basin of Marennes-Oléron the leading French site for oyster production.

Pineau des Charentes
White, red or rosé, composed of a mixture of the fine grape juice of the Charentes, and the venerable Cognac

Goat cheeses
With highly original names : Chabis, Chabichou, often related to the places where they are produced : Lezay, Bougon, Saint-Loup...

Poitou-Charentes lamb
Poitou-Charentes lamb originates in a long tradition of breeding for its meat, whose quality and flavour are unanimously praised.

Mussels
Kept near Fouras, Brouage, Charron, on the islands of Ré, Oléron and in the Bay of the Aiguillon.

The fruits of fishing.
Fish is part and parcel of regional culinary culture.

The Charentes-Poitou butter
Protected Designation of Origin (the French « AOC »), manufactured on the sole and exclusive basis of pasteurized milk cream.

Wines of Poitou-Charentes
White, rosé and red wines.

Cows of the Limousine and Parthenaise breeds.
Limousine and Parthenaise cows result from a long tradition of breeding for their meat, whose quality and flavour are unanimously praised.

Other meats
The varieties of pork from the Frairie result from a long tradition of breeding for the sake of their meat, whose quality and flavour have garnered unanimous recognition.

Haut-Poitou melons
The sunny lands of Poitou-Charentes allow for the culture of high-quality melons.

Desserts
Tourteaux (cheese pies), « broyés », « angélique », green liqueur...