Biscuiterie Lolmède

In the heart of old Angoulême, the Biscuiterie Lolmède is one of those gourmet establishments that tell a genuine local story. Founded in 1889 by Édouard Lolmède, it has built its reputation on biscuits, madeleines and, above all, almond macarons.

Taken over in 2006 by Arnaud and Myriam Mainemer, the business today carries on traditional biscuit-making expertise whilst developing a wide range of original creations.

History and origins

The story begins at the end of the 19th century. Born into a family of Charente winegrowers, Édouard Lolmède trained as a pastry chef before becoming a head pastry chef in Paris. In 1889, he founded his biscuit factory in Angoulême, which was then based on Place du Palet.

In its early days, the company offered three specialities in particular: Duchesse biscuits, madeleines and whole-almond macarons, which would go on to become one of its signature products.

After several generations, the biscuit factory was taken over in 2006 by Arnaud and Myriam Mainemer. It is now located at 3 Rue des Arceaux, in the heart of Angoulême.

The expertise

Biscuiterie Lolmède prides itself on producing its biscuits using traditional artisanal methods and, in particular, continues the tradition of its almond-based macarons. The company has also developed numerous variations on this speciality.

The biscuit factory holds the ‘Artisans Gourmands’ label, a distinction that highlights its artisanal expertise.

The range

Among the delicacies on offer are:

• Macarons: plain, chocolate, coconut, pistachio, Cognac and many other varieties. The company offers over 30 different types.
• Madeleines: plain or chocolate, perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat.
• Biscuits and crispbreads: a range of sweet treats to enjoy with a coffee or a cup of tea.
• Chocolates and confectionery: a selection to complement the range of biscuits.
• Cakes: including lemon and poppy seed, or raisin and rum.

The shop also offers a selection of regional products, including Cognac, Pineau and various sweet and savoury specialities from the Charente.

The signature product

The almond macaron is the company’s historic signature product. It is on this recipe, which originated in Angoulême in the late 19th century, that Biscuiterie Lolmède has built its reputation.

Enjoyed on its own, with a coffee or a cup of tea, it also makes a perfect addition to a gourmet hamper dedicated to specialities from the Angoumois region.

The visitor’s experience

The shop on Rue des Arceaux welcomes food lovers into a cosy atmosphere, with exposed stonework and a tasting area. Here, you can enjoy macarons, biscuits, madeleines, chocolates, tea or hot chocolate.

For groups of 10 to 20 people (by booking only), the shop also offers a package including a presentation of its history and production methods, a tasting session and a macaron-making workshop.

Where can you find the products?

The shop is located at: 3 rue des Arceaux, 16000 Angoulême

Products are available for purchase directly in-store and online.

Key facts

A historic biscuit-making establishment in Angoulême, founded in 1889, whose almond macaron remains its signature speciality. Biscuiterie Lolmède combines culinary heritage, traditional craftsmanship and creativity in a shop where you can also discover many other local specialities.

A must-visit spot to sample an iconic sweet treat from the Angoumois region and take home a little piece of Angoulême’s culinary history.