Gift ideas to bring back from Charente

Charente is a land of traditions, flavors and artisanal know-how. If its green landscapes and picturesque villages appeal to travelers, it is also the local treasures that you take with you that prolong the pleasure of your stay. Of course, a bottle of Cognac or Pineau des Charentes is an essential souvenir. But Charente has much more to offer to those who wish to bring back a piece of this enchanting region to their loved ones.

From artisanal creations to gourmet delights, including everyday objects revisited by talented hands, the gift ideas are as varied as they are authentic. By discovering these Charente specialties, you will perpetuate the spirit of your trip, while sharing a piece of this unique region with your friends and family. Let yourself be inspired by our selection of original gifts that capture the essence of Charente and extend the magic of your getaway long after your return.

1 – A bottle of Cognac and Pineau des Charente

Impossible to leave Charente without slipping a bottle of Cognac or Pineau des Charentes into your luggage! These golden nectars are not only a local pride, they are also the best allies to impress your loved ones during your cocktail evenings. Imagine the scene: a Cognac "on the rocks" for your uncle who swears by whiskey, or a fruity Pineau to surprise your sister-in-law who loves sophisticated aperitifs. In one glass, you will become the ambassador of a centuries-old tradition and, who knows, the hero of the evening. After all, who could resist a little taste journey in Charente, with a glass in hand?

2 – A Pair of Charentaises

Bringing back a pair of Charentaises de Charente is like bringing back a comfortable piece of cloud to wrap around your feet. These iconic slippers, carefully crafted by local artisans, are the ultimate in comfort and warmth. Every winter morning, by slipping your feet into these cozy slippers, you will be transported to the heart of Charente, in an atmosphere of softness and well-being. In addition, you will have a charming anecdote to tell: “Yes, they are real Charentaises, coming straight from Charente!” Enough to arouse desire and curiosity at every step.

3 – A Charentaise pancake

Bringing back a galette charentaise from Charente means taking back with you a piece of tradition and conviviality. This delicious, soft and fragrant pastry is not only tasty: it is also the symbol of a generous art of living. Tradition dictates that we share it by giving a little punch to the heart of the pancake, thus breaking it into pieces to better share it with friends or family. Ideal for a snack with tea or coffee, the Charentaise galette evokes moments of simple happiness and sharing. By tasting it, you prolong the sweetness of your stay in Charente and spread the warm spirit of this beautiful region around you.

A beautiful example of a traditional Charentaise galette proudly presented by Jacqueline from the Auboyneau patisserie in Confolens

4 – A comic strip from Angoulême or a souvenir on this theme

Bringing back a comic strip or a souvenir on the theme of Angoulême comic strips means extending the adventure well after your visit. The Angoulême Comic Strip Museum store offers an impressive variety of comics, manga and thematic souvenirs that will delight fans of all ages. As you flip through the pages, you will find your favorite characters, diving back into their captivating worlds. Whether you choose a rare edition, an intriguing manga or a collector's item, each souvenir will carry a little bit of the magic of Angoulême into your daily life. A veritable Ali Baba's cave for fans of bubbles and graphic stories!

5- A packet of Angoulême Marguerites

Offering a packet of Angoulême Marguerites means sharing a piece of history and local know-how. The Marguerite d'Angoulême, created in the 16th century in homage to Marguerite de Valois-Angoulême, sister of François I, is the pride of Angoumois pastry chefs. This daisy-shaped chocolate is available in black, milk or white, with a delicate scent of candied orange, reminiscent of the elegance and refinement of the Renaissance. To taste this emblematic specialty, go to the Duceau chocolate factory in Angoulême, where artisan Jean-Christophe Crosnier is among the hundred best chocolatiers in France. Each bite is an invitation to savor the richness of Angoumois heritage and to share a little of this sweetness with your loved ones.

6 – A box of macaroons from Lolmède patisserie in Angoulême

Offering or bringing back for yourself a box of macaroons from Lolmède patisserie in Angoulême means ensuring delights in every bite. These tasty and soft macarons, made with whole almonds, are very different from classic macarons. These little biscuits with a melting heart have seduced gourmets since the founding of the house in 1889 by Édouard Lolmède. With more than 30 different varieties, these macarons are made in the pure artisanal tradition. Imagine tasting a pistachio, hazelnut, raspberry, lemon, orange macaron, or even a cognac macaron – a real explosion of flavors for the taste buds! And for thrill-seekers, alcoholic macarons like the Rum Banana or Rum/Chocolate and Raisins macaron add a bold touch to tradition. Something to make your friends melt... if you still have a few macaroons left to share!

7- A collection of Charentais sayings

For those who love languages, literature and humor, bring back an original gift from Charente: “812 Charentais Proverbs and Sayings” by Guillaume Chenin. This fascinating collection brings together 812 sayings and proverbs collected in Charente and Charente-Maritime, offering a fun immersion in the local patois Categorized by themes such as nature, domestic life, and family, these pearls of wisdom make it easy for the reader to find lines to use for any occasion. A handy index makes it easy to access quickly. proverbs according to the desired theme, making this book a fun and informative companion for all word enthusiasts.

8 – A bag of Cornuelles

Bringing cornuelles from Charente means offering a piece of tradition and family nostalgia, a delight to savor while thinking of local customs. Cornuelles, dry triangular biscuits with a hole in their center, are a specialty of Villebois-Lavalette in Charente. Although the origin of this biscuit is uncertain, ancient tradition dictates that cornuelles are eaten at Palm Sunday. Made from shortcrust pastry, these sweets are traditionally decorated with anise grains at three corners, today often replaced by small pink or white anise candies. Sold as pastries, these biscuits are available all year round and constitute a true childhood memory for many local residents.

9 – Tomme de Charente or other local cheese

Bringing back a Charentais cheese means taking back with you a small piece of the gastronomic heritage of Charente. Tomme is undoubtedly the cheese that keeps best, and it is abundantly produced in Charente. The cheeses are made from the milk of the farm's cows, fed exclusively with fodder produced on site and on pasture. For an authentic experience of the Charentais region, stop at the farms that offer short-circuit sales to taste and buy some Charentais cheeses, or go to the local cheesemakers who will be happy to present their specialties to you!Cheese farmers from Charente farms are unique and will delight your guests.

10- A selection of Charentaise beers

Cognac, Pineau... but did you know that Charente also produces exceptional beer? The region is full of craft breweries and microbreweries, each offering unique and varied flavors. Bringing back craft beer from Charente is offering a tasty gift to beer lovers... or to yourself! Whether you prefer blondes, browns or IPAs, you are sure to find a beer that will delight your taste buds and offer you an immersion in the region's rich brewing heritage. Some brewers elegantly combine the flavors of the region, such as L'Atlantic des Gabariers Rubis with Pineau des Charentes rosé!

Article and photos by Lesley Williamson

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