Lionel's story

Growing up in France, it’s no surprise Lionel Vatinet developed a passion for bread. At 16, he joined a renowned artisans guild and traveled the world learning the rich tradition of baking fantastic breads, ultimately earning the coveted title of Maître Boulanger.

When you spend years traveling the globe, you become a bit of an expert on what makes a place feel like home. When Lionel and his wife decided to plant roots, they chose Cary, N.C. Drawn to the diversity, intellectual energy and Southern hospitality, they soon decided to open La Farm Bakery (est. 1999).

Lionel began connecting with local farmers, millers and scientists to find like-minded people with a fervor for organic, heirloom flours and ancient grains. The result is an amazing variety of handmade artisan breads with a depth of flavor that makes for a memorable and nutrition-filled culinary experience.

In the past two decades, Lionel has been a three-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Baker award, and La Farm Bakery has grown from a 200-square-foot facility to three flourishing locations in Cary, with a full café menu, and two more in the Raleigh area—all bringing the taste and aroma of fine European-style baked goods to a community full of foodies.
 

Make a trip

Experience centuries-old bread baking traditions in a modern-day boulangerie (bakery) and café at one of five La Farm Bakery locations (plus, if you're flying in, there's a location at RDU International Airport!):

La Farm honors the ordinary, yet extraordinary, boulangeries that once flourished in every little town in France. Their loaves are hand-crafted daily in a variety flavors, shapes and sizes, and along with artisan breads, La Farm also offers pastries, desserts, baked goods and café items. La Farm is a place where families come together around the table to share their lives as they share a good meal!