Chocolaterie Letuffe

Chocolaterie Letuffe is an iconic name in the Charente’s gourmet scene. Since 1950, it has passed down its expertise in chocolate and confectionery through the generations. The company now has several shops in the Charente, notably in Angoulême, Cognac and Trois-Palis.

In Trois-Palis, the shop, situated at the heart of the factory, offers visitors the chance to discover the brand’s creations whilst browsing a selection of local Charente specialities.

History and origins

Chocolaterie Letuffe traces its origins back to Maison Lebec, founded in 1873, making it a long-established part of the Charente’s culinary heritage.

The Letuffe family took over the chocolate factory in 1950. This handover has enabled the preservation of traditional tools and techniques, which are still used today alongside more modern equipment.

Based in Trois-Palis, near Angoulême, the company has opened several shops to promote its chocolates and specialities beyond its production workshop.

The Craft

At Letuffe, chocolate is crafted with particular attention paid to the selection of cocoa, its blending and its processing. The company uses natural ingredients and selects cocoa beans from various producing regions.

The company’s expertise also relies on artisanal techniques. Traditional methods such as cooking in a cauldron, pouring into a pan and coating with a fork are still used in certain production processes.

This combination of traditional methods and modern tools is one of the company’s distinctive features.

The products

• Les Marguerites d’Angoulême. One of the company’s most recognisable specialities. They are available in various combinations of chocolate and dried fruit or citrus fruits. The versions on sale include dark chocolate with orange peel, as well as assortments of dark, milk and white chocolate.
• Cognac ‘bouchons’. A speciality particularly linked to the Charente region, combining chocolate and Cognac.
• Cognac Orangettes. Orange peel infused with Cognac and then combined with chocolate, a creation that brings together two of the Charente’s finest culinary specialities.
• Liqueur chocolates. The range includes various specialities combining chocolate and liqueurs, including Cognac and Pineau amongst the Charente specialities.
• Nougat, fruit jellies and confectionery. The company also offers a range of confectionery creations to complement its chocolates.
• Charente assortments. Assortment boxes, gift boxes and cases bring together a selection of chocolate specialities, ideal as gifts or for introducing people to local flavours.

The signature product

The Marguerite d’Angoulême deserves special mention amongst the creations associated with Letuffe.

This speciality exemplifies the chocolate-maker’s desire to create chocolates that tell the story of the region. It is now available in various combinations of chocolates and fillings, notably with orange, almond or hazelnut, depending on the recipes and ranges.

It can be enjoyed on its own, with a coffee or a cup of tea, but also fits naturally into an assortment of Charente specialities.

The visitor’s experience

Chocolaterie Letuffe, in Trois-Palis, offers visitors the chance to discover the company’s production process and activities. Guided tours with tastings and chocolate-themed workshops are available by booking.

The shop in Trois-Palis stocks the chocolaterie’s own products as well as a selection of local and regional specialities: sweets, foie gras, liqueurs, wines and spirits, porcelain and earthenware.

It is therefore both a gourmet destination and a gateway to the diverse local crafts of the Charente region.

Where can you find the products?

Chocolaterie Letuffe has four shops in Charente:

• Trois-Palis - 22 Rue du Bourg, next to the factory.
• Angoulême city centre - 10 Place Francis Louvel.
• Angoulême – Leclerc Lunesse - 5 avenue Paul Desfarges.
• Cognac - 84 rue Aristide-Briand.

The company also offers an online order form for its chocolates and confectionery.

Key points

Chocolaterie Letuffe is a company deeply rooted in the Charente’s culinary heritage. Since 1950, it has been keeping the art of chocolate-making alive, combined with local specialities.

Whether in Angoulême or directly at Trois-Palis, the experience isn’t limited to chocolate: it also offers a chance to discover a whole world of Charente specialities and to understand how this long-established company continues to keep local culinary traditions alive.

Not to be missed: the Marguerites d’Angoulême, specialities made with Cognac and Pineau, and a tour of the factory in Trois-Palis.