Trait-d'Union

A Taste for Beautiful Pairings

At the Victor-Hugo Market, Trait d'Union embodies a particular vision of a gourmet shop: one where products are chosen with curiosity, described with passion, and naturally pair well together. Behind the shop, Anne-Sophie, a cheesemonger, and Nicolas, a wine merchant, have created a gourmet counter where cheese and wine complement each other with remarkable ease.

The selection focuses on raw-milk farm cheeses, chosen seasonally from producers with whom the shop maintains a direct relationship. Major appellations sit alongside lesser-known gems from Charente and other French regions, as well as from Italy, Spain, and England. Together, they form a vibrant selection guided less by trends than by the taste and character of the products.

Complementing this cheese collection are a few carefully selected products (fresh eggs, honey, jams, and regional specialties) as well as a selection of artisanal wines, with a strong emphasis on natural wines. The shop thus stands out for its free-spirited and personal approach to food-and-wine pairings, where a cheese with character can serve as the starting point for a true exploration of wine.

A market-style shop with the high standards of a gourmet establishment

It is perhaps in the early morning that Trait d’Union best reveals its charm. Nestled among the stalls of the Victor-Hugo Market, the shop possesses that discreet elegance characteristic of specialty food shops where quality takes precedence over decor. People come here just as much to put together a cheese platter as to ask for advice, discover an unexpected cheese, or leave with a bottle chosen to pair with dinner.

The spirit of the shop lies precisely in this bridge between producers, products, and food lovers. An artisanal and welcoming approach, a far cry from standardized grocery stores, makes this spot a must-visit for anyone wishing to experience Angoulême through its culinary expertise and gastronomic delights.

Key Tip

Ask for the cheese of the moment. The selection changes with the seasons and new arrivals: the most interesting discoveries are often found among the daily recommendations. To extend the experience, let the staff guide you toward an artisanal wine that will bring out the cheese’s nuances.

The Ideal Experience

Start the morning at the Victor-Hugo Market, when the stalls are coming to life, then put together an assortment of farm-fresh cheeses at Trait d’Union, paired with a bottle selected with Nicolas’s advice. A simple yet refined way to turn a few purchases into a truly memorable gourmet souvenir from Charente.