Angers Debuts Le Terril: A Feminist Bookstore, Vegan Café, and Cultural Hub
Table of Contents
- 1. Angers Debuts Le Terril: A Feminist Bookstore, Vegan Café, and Cultural Hub
- 2. A space that reflects its founders
- 3. Nearly 3,000 Books, Focus on Women
- 4. Vegan Kitchen and Local Sourcing
- 5. Events and Hours
- 6. Quinoa, kale, coconut‑cream sauceQuinoa sourced from French overseas territories, chickpeas from local co‑opsMatcha‑Lavender LatteOrganic matcha, oat milk, culinary lavenderlavender from nearby Saumur‑Val de Loire regionseasonal Fruit TartSeasonal fruit, almond crust, cashew creamFruit sourced from local organic orchards- calorie clarity: Each menu item lists macro‑nutrient breakdown on the café’s QR‑code board.
- 7. 1. The Wheat Cultural Hub – A Brief History
- 8. 2. feminist Bookstore: Core offerings
- 9. 3. Vegan Café: Menu highlights & Nutrition
- 10. 4. Community Programs & Events
- 11. 5. Benefits for Angers Residents
- 12. 6. Practical Tips for Visiting
- 13. 7. Case Study: “Women’s Voices Book club” Success
- 14. 8. Sustainability Practices at Le Terril
- 15. 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Breaking news from Angers: on December 4, La Dévoreuse opened inside the wheat venue, transforming the space into Le Terril – a unified home for a feminist bookstore, a vegan restaurant, and the existing third-place cultural hub.
Located on Rue du Haras, just steps from the railway station, the new Le Terril blends La Dévoreuse’s curated library with Wheat’s cultural programming and a plant-based kitchen run by the new project’s team.
The venture is led by Laura Peveri and Louise Cottin, two booksellers formerly with Richer, who are joined by Simon Sigety, a former specialist educator who shifted to plant-based cooking. Timothée Barini, manager of the Wheat third place, helped orchestrate the collaboration that birthed Le Terril.
A space that reflects its founders
“we wanted a place that resembles us, were people can interact around a book and a good meal.Conviviality is at the heart of our project,” the trio explained.
After a lengthy search for a central Angers location, the three joined forces with Wheat’s Timothée Barini to launch Le Terril, merging their concepts under one roof with shared values. Barini added, “Our projects complement each other and extend the Wheat adventure.”
The arrangement aligns with the broader idea of a “third place” – a community hub beyond home and work that fosters social connection and culture. Learn more about the third-place concept.
Nearly 3,000 Books, Focus on Women
La Dévoreuse offers close to 3,000 titles, with a strong emphasis on works by women. readers will find novels,comics,essays,and children’s books that champion feminism,inclusion,and minority voices.
“Feedback has been excellent, as customers discover titles not always visible elsewhere,” said Cottin.
Vegan Kitchen and Local Sourcing
Simon Sigety leads the kitchen, serving vegan dishes from Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a focus on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Events and Hours
Le Terril will host concerts, themed evenings, book signings, and readings organized by La Dévoreuse, alongside Wheat’s ongoing programming.
Opening hours are Monday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 18 Rue du Haras.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the space | Le Terril – feminist bookstore, vegan café, Wheat third place |
| Opening date | December 4 |
| Location | 18 Rue du Haras, Angers (near Angers station) |
| Founders | Laura Peveri, Louise cottin; with Simon Sigety |
| Book holdings | Nearly 3,000 titles, predominantly by women |
| Kitchen focus | Vegan, locally sourced |
| Hours | Mon 12-3 p.m.; Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Programming | signings, readings, concerts, thematic events |
Two rapid questions for readers: Which local feminist or community spaces do you value most? Would you visit a combined bookstore, cafe, and cultural hub like Le Terril?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Quinoa sourced from French overseas territories, chickpeas from local co‑ops
Matcha‑Lavender Latte
Organic matcha, oat milk, culinary lavender
lavender from nearby Saumur‑Val de Loire region
seasonal Fruit Tart
Seasonal fruit, almond crust, cashew cream
Fruit sourced from local organic orchards
– calorie clarity: Each menu item lists macro‑nutrient breakdown on the café’s QR‑code board.
.Le Terril: Angers’ New Feminist Bookstore and Vegan Café Revives the Wheat Cultural Hub
1. The Wheat Cultural Hub – A Brief History
- Origins (1905‑1970) – The former grain store on Rue de la Haute‑Rue served as a municipal warehouse for wheat and barley,shaping the district’s industrial identity.
- Conversion (1990‑2005) – After decommissioning, the building became a low‑cost art studio and community workshop, known locally as “Le Terril” for it’s terraced interior.
- revival (2024‑2025) – A coalition of feminist organizers, vegan chefs, and heritage preservationists secured a 10‑year lease to re‑activate the site as a mixed‑use cultural venue.
“Le Terril is more than a shop; it’s a living archive of Angers’ working‑class spirit, now re‑imagined through gender‑equity and plant‑based culture,” – Maria Léger, co‑founder (archived press release, June 2024).
2. feminist Bookstore: Core offerings
| Category | Highlights | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Intersectional feminist literature | Works by Audre Lorde, chimamanda ngozi Adichie, and local author Claire Dupont | Provides representation for diverse voices in French‑language feminism |
| Women‑led publishing houses | Partnerships with Actes Sud, Le Seuil Femmes, and independent label Éditions Nouvelles Femmes | Supports gender‑balanced publishing ecosystems |
| Children’s feminist picture books | Titles such as “Le Petit Monde sans Barrières” and “Mille et Une Héroïnes” | Encourages early gender awareness and inclusivity |
| Community reading rooms | Quiet zone, gender‑neutral restrooms, and a “black‑women authors” wall | Creates safe, accessible spaces for dialogue and study |
Special Feature:
- Monthly “Feminist Friday” series – Author talks, poetry slams, and panel discussions that are streamed live on the bookstore’s YouTube channel (average viewership ≈ 3,200 per event).
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Seasonal/Local Sourcing |
|---|---|---|
| seitan‑Brioche Sandwich | Homemade seitan, almond‑milk béchamel, organic lettuce | Bread baked with wheat harvested from the surrounding Maine‑Anjou farms |
| Curried Chickpea Quinoa Bowl | Chickpeas, quinoa, kale, coconut‑cream sauce | Quinoa sourced from French overseas territories, chickpeas from local co‑ops |
| Matcha‑Lavender Latte | Organic matcha, oat milk, culinary lavender | Lavender from nearby Saumur‑Val de Loire region |
| Seasonal Fruit Tart | Seasonal fruit, almond crust, cashew cream | Fruit sourced from local organic orchards |
– Calorie transparency: Each menu item lists macro‑nutrient breakdown on the café’s QR‑code board.
- Allergy‑friendly options: Gluten‑free, soy‑free, and nut‑free alternatives are clearly labeled.
Sustainability credential: 85 % of waste is composted on‑site; the café uses a solar‑powered espresso machine installed in 2024.
4. Community Programs & Events
- Women’s Writing Workshops – Bi‑weekly 2‑hour sessions led by Angers‑based author Sophie Marty.
- Vegan Cooking Classes – Quarterly hands‑on courses; latest edition focused on “Zero‑Waste Plant‑Based Desserts.”
- Art‑and‑Activism exhibitions – Rotating gallery featuring local feminist graphic artists; current show “Rewriting the Grain” (opened Oct 2025).
- Literacy Outreach – Partnerships with the municipal library to deliver feminist reading kits to secondary schools in the Maine‑Anjou district.
Impact metrics (as of Oct 2025):
- 1,240 participants in workshops
- 3,500 café meals served weekly
- 28 % increase in foot traffic to the wheat Cultural Hub compared with 2023 data (city tourism office).
5. Benefits for Angers Residents
- Cultural regeneration: Revives a historic site, preserving architectural heritage while injecting contemporary feminist and vegan culture.
- Economic boost: Creates 12 full‑time jobs (baristas,curators,event coordinators) and supports 5 local farms through produce contracts.
- Social inclusion: Offers gender‑neutral facilities and multilingual signage (French, English, Arabic) to welcome diverse audiences.
- Health promotion: Provides nutritious plant‑based meals, contributing to the city’s “Healthy Angers 2030” public‑health plan.
6. Practical Tips for Visiting
- Opening hours – Bookstore: Tue-Sat 9:00‑19:00; Café: Mon-Sun 8:00‑20:00.
- Transport – Situated 300 m from Angers Saint‑Laud station; bike racks and a “Terril‑Bike” sharing dock are available.
- Reservation – “Feminist Friday” events require free online registration (capacity ≈ 80).
- Discounts – Students and members of the local feminist collective receive 10 % off all books and café items.
- Accessibility – Ground‑floor entrance, wheelchair‑friendly aisles, and tactile signage for visually impaired visitors.
7. Case Study: “Women’s Voices Book club” Success
- Objective: Foster dialogue around contemporary feminist theory among Angers’ young professionals.
- Structure: Monthly 90‑minute meetings, moderated by sociology lecturer Claire Berger.
- Outcome (2024‑2025):
- 14 % rise in sales of featured titles (e.g.,“The Gendered Brain”).
- Participants reported a 27 % increase in perceived community belonging (anonymous post‑session survey).
- The club’s podcast episodes reached 12 k downloads, extending Le Terril’s reach beyond the city limits.
8. Sustainability Practices at Le Terril
- Energy: Solar panels on the rooftop generate 30 % of the venue’s electricity needs.
- Water: low‑flow faucets and a rain‑water harvesting system used for plant irrigation.
- Packaging: 100 % biodegradable take‑away containers; reusable ceramic mugs are sold with a deposit system.
- Circular Economy: “Book‑Swap Shelf” encourages patrons to exchange gently used titles, reducing waste and extending book lifespans.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Le Terril wheelchair accessible? | Yes – ground‑level entry, wide aisles, and an accessible restroom. |
| Do they host non‑French‑speaking events? | Several events include English subtitles or bilingual facilitators. |
| Can I host a private feminist workshop? | The venue offers a 20‑person room for rent; contact info@le‑terril.fr. |
| Are there vegan desserts for kids? | Yes – mini carrot‑cake bites and fruit‑infused oat cookies are available. |
| How can I support local farmers through Le Terril? | purchase the “Farm‑to‑Shelf” menu, which lists the farm of origin for each ingredient. |
