Maison Tonnerre, the coffee shop, bakery and brunch in Versailles where everything is homemade

In search of a new place to brunch in the Yvelines, we were tempted by the excellent reviews of this Versailles establishment. Maison Tonnerre is located at 7 Rue des Deux Portes in Versailles, in a quiet alley not far from the castle and the Notre-Dame district. This coffee shop and artisan bakery has carved out a niche for itself thanks to its philosophy of everything being homemade and its healthier approach to gourmet food.

Behind this project is Carine Tonnerre, who left her career as an executive in international business development to follow her passion for baking. Her unusual journey began in Austria, where she didn't like the local food. So she started making everything herself: bread, cakes, pink biscuits from Reims... This experience gradually convinced her of her vocation. In her fifties, she decided that it was now or never and passed her CAP bakery certificate in 2023. Rather than a traditional bakery with white baguettes, she developed her concept of a tea room-coffee shop, which allows her to offer her customers what she loves to make and eat. 

The establishment stands out for its commitment to quality. Carine's old-fashioned pastries contain 40 to 50% less sugar than traditional versions. She is reviving old specialties that have become rare: clafoutis, blueberry tarts, streusel, and kouglof. In terms of sourcing, the flour comes from Grands Moulins de Paris, whose wheat is grown less than 60 miles from the capital.

The shop consists of two small rooms with tables of various sizes. A counter displaying pastries and cakes runs along the left side of the entrance, while on the right you'll find a selection of carefully sourced grocery items. Finally, there are a few tables waiting for you in front of the shop in the pleasant cobbled Versailles passageway. 

Every lunchtime, Maison Tonnerre offers a homemade vegetarian lunch that changes daily. The menu is revealed on Instagram at 11:30 a.m.: a set menu of a main course, dessert, and salad for €20, made exclusively with fresh, seasonal produce. Carine wants to help people eat better without feeling like they're being ripped off.

The Sunday brunch is a real highlight of the restaurant. When we visited, the plate included homemade fish rillettes, organic scrambled eggs, ultra-soft bread prepared on site, avocado, cheese, and fresh fruit with salad for €21. The full menu, priced at €34, adds a hot drink, freshly squeezed orange juice, a choice of pastries, and the dessert of the day. We admit, it was a lot, and Corinne tells us that it's not uncommon for people to take leftovers home with them. This gave us a very nice snack at the end of the afternoon. 

The café sometimes offers specialty breads instead of classic white bread and makes cakes and other sweet treats on request, which are very popular for birthdays and family meals. The clientele is mainly made up of regulars who keep coming back, proof that the concept is a hit. Customers come for a morning coffee, a healthy lunch, an afternoon snack, or of course,Sunday brunch in a relaxed atmosphere.

Maison Tonnerre has an excellent reputation with good reviews. Visitors appreciate the "home-like" atmosphere and the generous portions. The establishment is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and until 7 p.m. on weekends, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

This place is a great find, just a stone's throw from the Lambinet Museum andNotre-Dame de Versailles Church, in a neighborhood that boasts other great spots such as Terres de Café, also on Rue des Deux Portes. In short, we were charmed by this lovely place where you can sit back and enjoy yourself without any pretensions. 

See also:

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