Brioches Fonteneau, a passion for gourmet delicacies and Vendée traditions

Brioches Fonteneau is, above all, a Vendée family story, that of a small bakery that specializes in brioche and gâche. Their delicious brioche products have been delighting the palates of young and old alike since 1977, the date that heralds the beginning of this family adventure . Passionate about their profession and lovers of Vendée's gourmet heritage, Gilles and Marie-Jo Fonteneau pass on their know-how to their children who are taking up the torch 40 years later. Between quality products, preservation of ancestral know-how and local commitments, Brioches Fonteneau participates in the preservation of Vendée's culinary heritage.

Photo credit: ©Brioches Fonteneau

Fonteneau Brioches, an ancestral product made with the greatest respect for traditions

At Brioches Fonteneau, tradition is sacred. That's why they create authentic, high-quality brioches, mastering every step of the process of making this golden-crumbed sweet treat. Each brioche requires 8 hours of preparation. The company makes its own sourdough, then braids the brioches by hand before brushing them with egg. Their commitment to preserving ancestral know-how results in the most delicious results: creamy brioches that delight young and old alike.

Brioches Fonteneau, a family business committed to a responsible approach in Vendée

Promoting local agriculture is one of Brioches Fonteneau's priorities, which supports regional producers and the local economy through its activities. Focused on responsible practices, it promotes short supply chains to guarantee the freshness of the raw materials used, but also to reduce its carbon footprint. Since 2020, the company has strengthened its commitment with the CRC (Culture Raisonnée et Contrôlée) label, which guarantees compliance with demanding specifications for our flours. This label is based on four main criteria: local flours from sustainable crops, without any post-harvest treatment, from agricultural practices that promote biodiversity, and ensuring fair remuneration. It is the first brioche manufacturer to adopt this approach when choosing its flours. Brioches Fonteneau has 3 manufacturing sites anchored in the Vendée region and located within a 20km radius.

Fonteneau Brioches, Vendée products made with respect for the environment

Brioches Fonteneau is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its packaging while maintaining the quality and shelf life of its products. To achieve this, it has revised the size of its packaging and adjusted the number of brioches per package, thereby significantly reducing the use of plastic to store its products and the amount of cardboard used to transport them.

Truly committed to today and tomorrow, they are one of the 12 patrons of Ohé La Terre, a collective commitment to biodiversity and the climate which has a dual objective:

• Encouraging biodiversity in agricultural land
• Promoting carbon storage in soils

Numerous actions are thus in place in Pays de la Loire and in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in accordance with the values defended by Brioches Fonteneau.

Brioches Fonteneau, daily support for local associations

Brioches Fonteneau is also a player in the region and its dynamism. Happy and proud to be at the heart of Vendée, it is committed on a daily basis to supporting the inhabitants by supporting numerous local sports associations (football, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, cycling, etc.), major sports tournaments (the Mondial Minime de Montaigu and its Challenge Féminin), charities (Coup de Pouce, an association that supports children and parents from kindergarten to CE1 or PTEA Clara which means "Clara's House" in Cambodia, an association whose headquarters is in Bretignolles which offers a refuge to children from 10 months to 23 years old.)

The company was also an official supplier of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe and sponsor of Skipper Manuel Cousin.

Authentic and true, these are two characteristics that are found both in Brioches Fonteneau and in their values.

Brioches Fonteneau, brioches to be found in their store and throughout France

Now that you know all the secrets of how this family business works and its commitment, all that's left is to taste their sweet treats. The three manufacturing sites are located in Vendée, in Montaigu-Vendée, La Copechagnière, and L'Herbergement. These workshops exude delicious, fragrant aromas that attract gourmands and gourmets. The company's only store is located at the Brioches Fonteneau headquarters in Montaigu-Vendée , open every day from Monday to Saturday at noon. The warm welcome from the team makes you want to stroll through this well-stocked shop, stocked with brioche products, including gâches, brioches, pains au lait, and brioche cakes. Take all the time you need to select your favorite product(s) and enjoy it with honey, jam, spread, or simply on its own.

Can't get there? Order your favorite brioches in just a few clicks from their online store and have them delivered directly to your home or to their store.

A flagship product of Vendée, brioche has conquered the French palates and is now present in all traditional bakery sections of large retail stores as well as in organic stores.

More than a treat, brioche is a real slice of sweetness to savor.