Franquette

In Vouzan, south-east of Angoulême, Franquette invites visitors to discover another side to the Charente region: that of walnuts.

This organic walnut farm, run by Éric Truflandier, combines walnut cultivation, on-farm processing and visitor experiences. The farm offers, in particular, walnuts and a wide range of delicacies made from this iconic fruit.

History and origins

A family legacy: although the modern business dates back to 2017, the operation is built on long-established orchards. It was Éric Truflandier’s father who originally set up the walnut-growing business in Vouzan before passing it on to him.

A passionate career change: Eric Truflandier radically changed his professional life by ‘quitting his old job’ to devote himself entirely to the land and walnut production. He managed the farm during the early years.

Passing the baton: In September 2020, Lynda Truflandier officially took over the management of the SCEA, ensuring the continuity of this entrepreneurial and family-run venture.

Expertise

Franquette specialises in organic walnut cultivation: walnut trees form the heart of the farm, and the walnuts are also processed directly on site.

The farm has thus developed a genuine range of gourmet walnut-based products, ranging from the nuts themselves to sweet and savoury preparations.

Products

Among the products offered by the farm are:

• Charente walnuts, harvested from the walnut orchards;
• caramelised walnuts;
• shortbread with walnuts;
• shortbread and pastries made with walnuts;
• tuiles and cakes;
• walnut-based confectionery;
• walnut terrine;
• ‘Vouza’ walnut-flavoured aperitif;
• walnut-flavoured beer.

This variety allows you to discover walnuts in a range of forms, from aperitifs to desserts.

The signature product

The Charente walnut is naturally at the heart of the Franquette experience.

Crunchy and fragrant, it can be enjoyed on its own, but also features in a wide range of dishes: pastries, biscuits, sweets, aperitifs and savoury recipes.

For a gourmet treat, caramelised or shortbread walnuts allow you to savour the nut’s full character in a particularly enjoyable way.

The visitor experience

Franquette is not just about selling products. The farm welcomes visitors to introduce them to the world of walnuts.

A 7 km walk through the walnut groves is on offer, as well as self-guided or guided tours on request. Tasting sessions are also available for groups.

It’s a lovely way to gain an insight into the work of a walnut grower whilst enjoying the rural landscape of Vouzan.

Where can you find the products?

The products are available directly at the farm, in a shop, and via an online shop.

Key points

Franquette is a unique destination in the Charente walnut-growing region. In Vouzan, Éric Truflandier introduces visitors to walnut cultivation through organic farming, farm-processed products and a truly immersive visitor experience.

With walks amongst the walnut trees, tastings and direct sales, the farm offers a lovely way to discover Charente walnuts and the agricultural expertise of the Pays d’Angoulême.