Gourmet road trip in Haut-Poitou

Stage 1: Production of foie gras in Chalandray

To start, head for the "far west" of the Vienne. First stop just before Deux-Sèvres, at Chalandray, a small town crossed by the N149. On the left, an alley of oaks leads to the Mitteault House, duck producer for 45 years... Here, the waterflies are raised outdoors on the seventeen hectares of the park and processed and prepared on site. Foie gras, pâtés, rillettes, canned, fresh or frozen, there is something for everyone… and if you hesitate, you go back with the "gourmet package".

In the middle of the village, a small monument tells us that we have just crossed… the Greenwich meridian.

Stage 2: Wine tasting at the Domaine de Villemont in Mirebeau

Our journey continues on the D24 towards Mirebeau. A few islet vineyards, typical of the area, dot the landscape. The sun generously waters the clay-limestone soils which make the PGI melons. This soil is also the ideal terroir for Haut-Poitou grape varieties. To Domaine de Villemont, the Bourdier family has been winegrowers for 4 generations. It produces a nice range: white, red and rosé wines, special vintages, sparkling wines and grape juice. The visit reveals all the secrets of the process, from the vine to the finished product.

Step 3: Visit a goat farm in Thurageau

Bifurcation towards the south this time, towards the place called Agressais, in Thurageau. Gilles Turpeau awaits us for a visit to the goat farm to meet its 650 pretty alpine goats. We discover there the different stages of production of these sumptuous cheeses. The tasting brightens up our taste buds! 

Stage 4: Walnut oil in Neuville

Another twelve kilometers due south and our trip takes us to the gates of Haut-Poitou, in Neuville. Here is one of the oldest oil mills in Poitou still in operation. The delicious smell of freshly pressed walnuts fills the nostrils. After the visit, a stop at the shop allows us to find a sublime pistachio oil, pepper or vineyard vinegar.

Stage 5: Brasserie de Bellefois in Neuville

To round off this gourmet road trip in style, a stop is essential at the Brasserie de Bellefois restaurant, one of the first craft breweries of the department. We taste them while discovering the menu, made from products … from Haut-Poitou of course!