La Boulangerie du Couvent, 66130 Ille sur Tet

This is no ordinary bakery and patisserie and is well worth a visit.

It is located in an old convent which was bought in 2007 by Henri Poch, a baker and patissier who was named Best Artisan of France in the bakery field in 2000. He bought the building in 2007 and,  together with his wife, he has created a very interesting complex over the years.

All his breads are cooked in a wood fired oven, and there are many varieties, including  rye, nut, cereal  and wholemeal,as well as traditional baguettes which are made with special flour milled by Mr. Poch.  There are also delicious croissants and brioches.

In addition to a selection of cakes and tarts, some of his most interesting products are the Catalan specialities and they are definitely my favourites.  (Although only just ahead of the delicious babas au rhum! )  These include cheese or ham fougasses, which are flat tressed breads served as aperitif fare in this area, rousquilles, the icing- covered donut-like cakes, anis flavoured tarts, and  a hard to find special bread “Pa de la Saint Jordi”.

You can taste all these delicacies in the bakery cafe, and you can even learn to make many of them in the cookery classes which Mr. Poch gives every Monday afternoon.

And if you want to extend your stay there are 3 very comfortable-looking rooms which are available to rent in the old Convent building.

So forget the sliced white bread and head for the Convent!