The last thing you may expect to come across in the depths of the rural Charenteis a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam served with a hot pot of correctly brewed breakfast tea, but in Tusson, France, you’ll find just this.
In the heart of rural Charente, France, you might be surprised to find a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam served with a properly brewed pot of breakfast tea.
But in Tusson, this is exactly what you’ll discover. You’ll also hear plenty of English accents.
Gateaux, with its bold lettering and pink exterior, is impossible to miss.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a verdant oasis and an impressive array of beautifully baked cakes, reports the Express.
As I have relatives nearby, I visit Tusson annually, and the lemon meringue cake has never disappointed me.
Other highlights include the chocolate Guinness cake and the cappuccino cupcakes.
There’s also a wonderful selection of teas and barista-made coffees, as well as ice creams and some savoury bakes.
Run by two biologists, Gateaux is adorned with the unexpected beauty of molecular structures, intricate scientific drawings and equations.
Despite having a population of just 240, this tiny village isn’t widely known.
The nearest city is Angouleme, renowned as the capital of comic books and the filming location for Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’, featuring Timothee Chalamet.
Yet, Tusson is something of an artistic hub.
It boasts a pottery workshop, a few other artists’ residences and The Maison du Patrimoine.
This is where Francis I of France’s elder sister stayed upon learning of her brother’s death in the 16th century.
It was constructed from a fortified enclosure dating back to the 14th century.
The expansive fields surrounding Tusson are adorned with sunflowers during the summer, their faces tracking the often blistering summer sun.
Tusson’s primary eatery, Le Compostelle, is a bit of a splurge but could be worth your time. With lobster on the menu and their renowned soup de chocolat, a dessert that’s a spectacle in itself, one chuffed reviewer penned on Tripadvisor: “We all sat outside in a charming courtyard under cover in the heat of a full cover of awnings etc. Lovely atmosphere. We all opted for the 25- 30 euro set lunch. Absolutely fantastic value for money. The food was simply exquisite. Michelin standard. If you’re a chocolate lover, you must try the Soupe au Chocolat. Beyond wonderful.”
The area is a hit with ex-pats, many of whom reside in the nearby villages Ville Jesus, known for its brilliant annual village fair, and Aigre, a slightly larger town boasting a tourist office and a town hall.
Here, you can savour a pizza at La Square while taking in the frequent bric-a-bracs, France’s version of a car boot sale. Here, you’ll discover a variety of items from children selling their collages to boxes covered in dust filled with vintage postcards capturing snippets of holidays from half a century ago.
If you’re after a bit more excitement than browsing antiques, Nautilus is the place to be. However, gents, be warned – this water park enforces a strict speedo-only policy.
But don’t let that put you off, as there’s something for everyone here. Keen swimmers can clock up some serious lengths in the full-sized Olympic pool, while thrill-seekers can take on the diving board or brave the outdoor rapids slide that promises a wild ride.