On the borders of the Landes and Gers departments, Labastide-d'Armagnac is a pretty town built in the 13th century. One of its treasures is Colette Tortoré's café, open since 1885 and considered the oldest in France still in business until 2023.
The first occupant was her grandmother. Colette, the third generation, was 92 when she died in 2023, and still sat behind her counter, always in a good mood... There was never a dull moment in the café.
All the history and memories of this welcoming place hang on the walls. A veritable museum of the passage of time.
At a time when village cafés were closing down one after the other, Colette Tortoré, true to form, only left the family café for one season to work as a cashier at a hotel in Saint-Nectaire.
The owner was also very proud to point out that for over ten years, prices had remained unchanged: 1.60 euros for two coffees, and don't talk to her about cash registers - sardine tins took their place!
Colette Tortoré's passion was, of course, her café, but she also worked as a taxi-driver for several years.
Bridge players were there on Mondays. On Tuesdays, chess players occupied the premises, and Colette's place was also used for belote.
Colette died at the age of 92 on February 3, 2023, and as yet has no successor....
Until his death, the Café Colette was the oldest active café in France...
Café Colette
Rue Bataille,
40240 Labastide-d'Armagnac
Tel.: 05 58 44 80 39
