Le Jardin Sucré opens its chocolate shop and tearoom in Dampierre, Yvelines

The Auberge Saint-Pierre is coming back to life, and it's a chocolate shop-tea room that's bringing a new lease of life to this historic Dampierre landmark, once a gourmet's delight. Mélanie and Arnaud Mathez, already well known for their pastries and delicacies in Cernay-la-Ville and Jardin Sucré in Paris, have decided to continue their spellbinding work.

And so, since the end of September, just a stone's throw from the Château de Dampierre, which is enjoying a new lease of life, a new landmark for lovers of divine chocolates has opened its doors. Here you'll find a fine selection of all kinds of artisan chocolates, from chocolate marshmallows and tablets to bonbons and other chocolate pastries and viennoiseries. There's also a wide range of ice creams and spreads.

And that's not all: this beautiful space is now home to a cosy tea room. With its exposed beams, floral motifs, vintage hanging lamps and wooden seats, enhanced by country-style decor, all you want to do is sit back and relax.

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The à la carte menu features a selection of the house's flagship pastries, such as the unmissable Tarte Pistache and Tarte Vanille. Added to this are seasonal offerings and a Brioche perdue to delight visiting gourmets. Don't expect to find all the pastry shop's delicacies. That said, there's plenty to tantalize the taste buds. There are chocolate travel cakes such as flankies, cookies, pains aux chocolat and madeleines.

The menu features a fine selection of hot and cold drinks, made with local and seasonal fruits, spices and flower infusions. The coffee is roasted by Arlo's Coffee, located in Rambouillet. A selection of teas, an affogato (coffee and vanilla ice-cream) for gourmets, hot chocolates including a Viennese version or a spicy version reminiscent of Christmas - there's enough to make your day.

The boutique-tea room is open every day except Monday. Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 7.30pm, Saturday 9.30am to 7.30pm and Sunday 9.30am to 6.30pm.

So, whether you're visiting Domaine de Dampierre, passing through on your motorcycle in search of a cold drink, hiking along the Maincourt trail, or simply discovering this charming village, here's a gourmet stop to put on your to-do list.