When Colombians move abroad, they bring with them a national treasure: coffee. Five months ago, in Toulouse, Damian and Lu turned their dream of opening their own café into a reality with Tinto Café d’altitude. The couple, united by love and a passion for coffee, have been developing this project for years, which they present today in an interview with Colombia One.
Damian, a Colombian by birth, and Lu, a French national, have combined their roots and skills to create a space that merges specialty Colombian coffee with an artisanal, cozy atmosphere.
Coffee at their café is not just a drink; it’s a carefully crafted experience. “Our strategy was more personal; we love Colombian coffee and followed our desires,” says Lu. Every detail in the café reflects the couple’s dedication, creating an ambiance that blends youthful aesthetics with elegance.
From Colombia to Argentina, and then to France
Damian was born in Sogamoso, Boyaca, but grew up in Ibagué and Bogota. At 19, he left Colombia to study psychology in Buenos Aires, Argentina, seeking a specialization in psychoanalysis. He adapted to life in Argentina, and after 15 years, obtained dual citizenship. It was in Argentina that he met his wife, Lu, and together they embarked on their journey to France to bring their project to life.
Adapting to France wasn’t easy for Damian. Despite having already navigated the challenges of moving to Argentina, the language barrier became the main obstacle in his new life in Toulouse. He arrived with only a basic level of French and had to face both cultural and linguistic barriers. “In Toulouse, people aren’t as closed off as the typical cliché of Colombians traveling to Paris, where locals are more tired of tourism, so it feels different,” Damian explains.
The challenge of starting a business in France
Starting a business in France meant confronting complex bureaucracy. Damian and Lu had to navigate legal and administrative processes, from obtaining permits to securing insurance. In France, landlords are very demanding, and to rent a commercial space, it’s necessary to demonstrate the project’s viability with the help of accounting experts.
Despite these obstacles, they managed to open Tinto Café d’altitude: the only establishment that offers 100% Colombian specialty coffee in the city. They introduced filtering methods like the V60 and Aeropress, which are uncommon in the region, and the public has shown great interest.
“We wanted to offer these filtering methods from the beginning, thinking they wouldn’t be that popular, but they’ve become the ones that most interest our customers. For example, the V60 is our top seller because the coffee is so good, and you can really taste the difference,” says Damian.
Tinto Café d’Altitude, a coffee with the taste of Colombia and more in Toulouse
The concept behind Tinto Café d’altitude is rooted in Colombian culture. The name “tinto” refers to the classic black coffee that Colombians hold dear, but also resonates well in French, facilitating its adoption in their new country.
“Our coffee is a reflection of our journey because we also offer many Argentine products that we decided to include, as they go really well with the coffee and remind us of something we loved during our time in Argentina,” Damian explains.
They offer Argentine treats like alfajores and chipa, a type of bread similar to Colombian yuca bread. “We don’t just make coffee; Lu loves beverages and enjoys creating new recipes. Every so often, we come up with new drinks,” Damian adds.
Customers at Tinto Café d’altitude not only enjoy coffee but also experience a blend of cultures. Lu, who discovered the true flavor of Colombian coffee during a visit to Colombia, and Damian, who has always taken pride in his homeland’s coffee, ensures that every cup they serve tells a story.
Through their passion, they have created a unique space that honors Colombian culture while integrating the best of their experiences in Argentina and France.