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Biscuits - Sarthe valley
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Office de Tourisme Vallée de la Sarthe / Nath_Alie

Le Petit Sablé

The pure butter shortbread biscuit from Sablé-sur-Sarthe

Local and traditional craftsmanship!

This little round shortbread biscuit, sometimes with serrated edges, was invented in Sablé-sur-Sarthe in 1670, and is listed as French culinary heritage. It is only made in Sablé-sur-Sarthe using 100% natural products.

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Petits Sablés de la Maison Drans
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Office de Tourisme Vallée de la Sarthe / Nath_Alie

The Origins of the Sablé Biscuit

Many people assume that the Sablé biscuit takes its name from its crumbly, “sandy” texture. In fact, it is named after the town of Sablé-sur-Sarthe, where its story began.

The history of this iconic French biscuit dates back to 1670, when Madeleine de Souvré, Marquise of Sablé, introduced it to the court of King Louis XIV. The famous maître d’hôtel Vatel, who served the Prince of Condé, presented the biscuits to the King’s brother, who praised their delicate flavour and refined texture.

They quickly became a favourite at court and were served in honour of the Marquise under the name “Sablé”. Today, the Sablé biscuit remains one of the best-known specialities of the Sarthe region and a symbol of French culinary heritage.

The Biscuit Factories

While you’re exploring the town centre of Sablé-sur-Sarthe, you can’t miss the two huge Petit Sablé “Maisons”, la Maison Drans and the Biscuiterie La Sablesienne. At these two local institutions you can taste and buy the famous shortbread biscuits, and a whole range of other products! Each biscuit factory has developed a wide range of biscuits and meringues, plain or with various flavours. Each shop has been designed with great care and attention, good taste and finesse, producing an impressive result…

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Sarthe valley Cookie House Drans Cookies and coffee boxes
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Maison Drans

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Sarthe valley La Sablésienne Small box of cookies
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@Nath_Alie

A LA DECOUVERTE DE L'ATELIER : Visite guidée du musée & atelier de fabrication

The tour is this way…

You can also take a tour of the workshops where the biscuits are made at the two factories. The secrets of the Petit Sablé recipe are well guarded, but will you be able to guess what ingredients are used?

A brand-new museum, the Musée du Petit Sablé (inside the Biscuiterie La Sablésienne factory) offers an experience that will awaken all the senses, centred around the history of this famous shortbread biscuit: what are you waiting for

Some ideas

during your stay