Cerfs des Eaux Claires

A few kilometres south of Angoulême, in the Eaux Claires valley, Les Cerfs des Eaux Claires runs a unique deer farm in the heart of a 68-hectare estate. The deer are reared in semi-freedom and fed mainly on hay and cereals produced on the farm.

History and origins

The deer farm has been associated with the Eaux Claires estate since 1989. Thierry de Braquilanges rears stags and does in semi-freedom, in a natural environment close to Angoulême.

The estate also features an equestrian centre, allowing visitors to explore the surroundings on horseback.

Expertise

The animals roam across a vast area in semi-freedom. Their diet consists mainly of hay, maize, barley and cereals produced on the estate. The animals are sold at around 18 months of age, with particular attention paid to hygiene, the cold chain and the quality of the meat.

This approach enables us to offer venison renowned for its tenderness and flavour, whilst maintaining a direct link between rearing, processing and the consumer.

Products

• Fresh venison: roasts, steaks, grilled cuts, fillets, tournedos, shanks, and cuts for stews. Fresh venison is particularly recommended for the festive season.
• Preserves: traditional venison stew, venison sauté, venison sauté with Pineau, rillettes, venison terrines, forest terrine, Cognac terrine. These preserves are available all year round.

The signature product

Eaux Claires venison is the farm’s unmissable speciality.

In the kitchen, cuts for grilling or roasting can be prepared simply to preserve their flavour. Cuts intended for sauces are particularly well suited to slow-cooked dishes, especially stews.

To discover the flavours of the Charente region, dishes made with Pineau des Charentes also pair naturally with this meat.

The visitor experience

The deer can be viewed free of charge all year round. Guided tours for groups are also organised by appointment.

The estate also offers the chance to explore the Eaux Claires valley on horseback through the equestrian centre’s activities.

Where can you find the products?

Direct sales at the farm are a major outlet. The products are also stocked by several retailers, notably:

• Coccinelle & Coquelicot, in Angoulême;
• La Belle Fermière, in Ruffec;
• La Ferme Santone, in Saint-Georges-des-Coteaux.

Preserves are available all year round. Fresh meat is sold retail, particularly during the festive season.

Key points

Les Cerfs des Eaux Claires is a unique local business in the Angoumois region: a semi-wild deer farm, meat sold through short supply chains, and a whole range of tinned goods that offer a different way to enjoy game. In the heart of the Eaux Claires valley, encountering the animals completes an experience deeply connected to nature and the local area.