Poultry
La Fleche
B tier
La Fleche is a striking French breed from the Sarthe town of La Flèche, famous for its large V-shaped horn comb, dark plumage (classically black), white earlobes, and upright elegant carriage. Developed as a dual-purpose fowl with a reputation for excellent white-fleshed table quality, it also lays white eggs. Meat is fine-grained and flavourful when birds are grown at a moderate pace—suited to roasting, gourmet French preparations, and specialty restaurant supply. Pure La Fleche remain uncommon, conserved by fanciers and small producers rather than bulk industrial systems.
Also known as: La Flèche, La Fleche, La Fleche, La Flèche
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Poultry from the La Flèche area of western France gained renown in regional markets for carcass quality.
French agricultural exhibitions highlighted the horn-combed La Flèche as a distinctive dual-purpose breed.
American poultry standards admitted La Fleche among recognised French table breeds.
British fanciers imported La Fleche stock, emphasising the dramatic V-comb and black plumage for show.
Industrial chicken production reduced commercial La Fleche flocks to conservation and specialty status.
Heritage gastronomy and rare-breed networks supported limited revival of La Fleche for premium roast poultry.