‘LA ROCADINE’ RESTAURANT IN LE COTEAU

This is an introduction and a sincere recommendation to a relatively new local restaurant in Le Coteau, near Roanne which we have visited two or three times during the last month.

In fact, on my first visit I was met by the Chef de Cuisine who, to my surprise, was an old  acquaintance who ran a previous restaurant in nearby Vougy called Les Trois Moineaux –  Jérôme Sadot. A young up and coming Chef now with a lot of experience under his apron!

His father Christian Sadot originally owned and ran Les Trois Moineaux, and after Jérôme had taken over for a couple of years or so it was finally sold on to other restaurateurs.

Jérôme then went to Switzerland and also to the South of France, working in other high quality establishments for 2 years or more.

And now he has returned with his wife, Mélanie and young family of 3 children, to develop a name for himself in Le Roannais.

He is certainly doing well, so far.

The new establishment is called 'La Rocadine' 

On a recent visit, 'La Rocadine' was pretty much full  – over 80 people. (The restaurant's potential capacity is about 100 covers). It was buzzing!

Possibly a little too much for the relatively small, but dedicated, team behind the scenes in the kitchen and at front of house!

Mélanie also works as maitre d'hôtel and on reception.

In typically Jérome fashion, his menu and presentation is traditional French with contemporary and original styling – a winning combination, along with the use of high quality, locally bought produce.

The interior is spacious and modern with a hint of local French style. Bright, clean, and  welcoming.

It's a good sign when many local French people are eating and enjoying themselves there!

Outside there is a large terrasse with  canopies for  'alfresco' dining.

I sat outside, enjoying the warmth of the evening and watching the slow sunset.

I started with a country paté  with fruit chutney, simple salad and light french dressing. 

This was excellent, and the fruit chutney had a slight hint of aniseed, probably from a pastis infusion. All served beautifully on a white oblong plate decorated at the edges with  a creative swirl of balsamic.

I followed this with a superb main course – Pavé de Charolais with sauce bordelaise.Not 'bien cuit' (well done), but 'moyenne' (medium) – it was perfectly cooked, certainly for me!!

This dish was served on a large 12" square, glass embossed assiette, with a tomato and cucumber vinaigrette, and delightful dauphin gratinoise.

Of course, it goes without saying that I washed this superb meal down with an excellent half bottle of red wine – Chateauneuf du Pape, La Paillousse 2003 – 16 euros (£12).

I was pretty much well on my way to being replete when my 'fromage blanc' arrived.     (A choice of this or 'fromage sec' is  normal in 'Le Roannais')

I finished off with dessert – créme brullée lavande. Prettily presented with a small sprig of lavander, and just a hint of lavander in the créme anglais. 

All this menu for only 26 euros (£18 without the wine, of course). Fantastic !

This small, convivial restaurant has become very popular in a very short space of time.

I really hope it continues on the up. I certainly recommend it for an easy, low cost meal of exceptional quality for a local family restaurant in this region.

Full marks, Jérome and Mélanie for a wonderful evening, and thanks for the excellent service, and, of course, for the traditional after-meal ice cold 'eau de vie'  to help with the  digestion!

We'll be seeing you again very soon!

And definitely recommending you to all our friends!

'La Rocadine'

ZAC Les Plaines, 42120 Perreux, near Roanne

Telephone: 0033 (0)44 77 71 45 33

Open all days, except Monday, and National Holidays 

 

 

FUN ON LA LOIRE!

Following the themes of our last couple of articles about Roanne and La Loire, last week we had some fantastic fun canoeing down La Loire.

This was a 'first' for me and my 6 year old son, Ellis, my 18 year old stepson, OJ, and nine year old daughter of my friend Fabrice, Marie.

None of us were quite sure what we were getting into, apart from a canoe, of course.

Was it dangerous, particularly for the kids, were they too young?!

 

Would I be able to look after them whilst trying to save my own life?!! 

What were the currrents of the mighty Loire going to be like – could we handle this, with virtually no experience (and certainly none recently) of this activity? 

We were like an expedition of explorers to the depths of the Amazon!

Well, it was all quite professionally handled by a local specialist organising canoeing experiences on La Loire. A family-run business called 'Aventure' based near Briennon in Le Roannais.

We were supplied with life jackets, of course, and small plastic tubs for all our towels, and possessions, etc. to store safely in the canoe. 

I was going in a 3 person canoe with Ellis and Marie, and OJ (to his delight) was going on his own in a single.

We all climbed aboard long wheel-base 4×4 with trailer carrying all the canoes (very clever stacking with the canoes designed to slot into each other). There was also a family of Dutch tourists coming with us.

A few kilometres (15 minutes up the road) we got to our starting point near the main  bridge at Briennon. And at the Edge of the fast-flowing La Loire we climbed aboard and were unceremoniously pushed off into the unknown!

The current quickly took us side ways, and I struggled to move the canoe towards the  centre of the river, and avoid an island of trees and scrub. Ellis was a little worried!  I was a little concerned!!

Anyway, we got control and away we went.

The sun was shining, it was very warm, the water splashed around us, and the scenery along the banks and beyond was beautiful.

All kinds of birds flying around, and unknown creatures splashing in the waters while we were needing to control the canoes through the fast-running la Loire. 

 

Entertaining, as well as good exercise! 

We settled down to a steady paddle, and the experience was brilliant for all of us.

Both Ellis and Marie took it in turns to paddle – Ellis loved it.

OJ was well on his way, and always kept his lead.

We were previously told by our 'Aventure' guide to head for the next bridge down La Loire at Iguerande, and he would meet us at the arrival point there – this was 2 hours canoeing away!!

Needless to say, we all got there safe and sound – a little shattered, but this was overshadowed by the fun and enjoyment of the experience.

 

 

We will certainly be doing it again, and I can emphatically recommend this to any other daring adventurers  and fun-lovers.

The cost for us was around 45 euros (£30) for the 4 of us in two canoes (with a bit of a discount for the kids). Well worth it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RENDEZVOUS AT ROANNE

Roanne is at the beating heart of le Roannais.

An hour from Lyon, Roanne is famous across the world as the home of Maison Troisgros (more about this superb restaurant on our 'blog'  very soon!).

There is, of course, much more to the town of Roanne than this celebrated temple of gastronomy.

Situated at the point of contact between the Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne and Burgundy regions, it offers everything you could want from a tourist centre.

Whether you're after nature, culture, tranquility, or just fun, you will be enchanted by the landscape, the historic monuments, the local and regional entertainment, and, of course, the food and wine, from local inns and cafes to internationally acclaimed three-Michelin-starred restaurants.

Standing on the famous Loire river, Roanne is also full of it's pleasures and beauty, and it is also a great centre of fashion and textile design.

For the young and the not-so-young, for families and couples alike, a rendezvous at Roanne promises a wonderful experience, wellbeing and relaxation.

Never far away, the Loire has shaped Roanne's landscape and history.

It is a great place for rest and recreation. Riverside walks, swimming, water sports of every kind…… the possibilities are endless!

River, canal, lake, ponds and streams….Roanne lives on the water!

In summer, the Loire en Fête festival offers sporting and cultural events and opportunities to discover the landscapes and natural history of one of the great rivers of France.

 

The Lac de Villerest: Wild Landscapes and Aquatic Pleasures

South of the town, near the mediæval, walled village of Villerest, and behind the Villerest dam the Loire forms a thirty-kilometre-long lake, offering inexhaustible opportunities to lovers of water sports and other open-air activities, with sailboarding, kayaking,… even pedaloes. In summer, supervised bathing is available at the beach, which also has a children's play park.

Passing through Roanne, the Loire forms a lovely stretch of water, perfect for rowing, waterski-ing… and water jousting!

There's also plenty of fun in the water without being in, or on, the Loire.

With the new Nauticum Centre at Roanne and the swimming pool at le Coteau, Grand Roanne also offers plenty of possibilities for aquatic pleasure indoors: lane swimming, whirlpool, aquaslides and more… there' something for everyone!

The Marina and The Canal: Bustle and Sociability

Right in the centre of town is the port. Don't miss its unique and welcoming atmosphere. Home to a hundred boats and barges in winter, in summer it is a 'port of call' for those cruising the French waterways. And right round the year there's something going on: markets, festivals, an urban beach, and much more besides!

The port lies at one end of the Roanne-Digoin canal, 57 kilometres of tranquility punctuated by 10 locks and connected to the whole of the French waterways network.

It offers tourists many different activities, including, of course, fishing, the favourite pastime of many locals.

Cruising is well provided for, with serviced moorings and lots to see and visit on the way, as well as organised trails for walking, biking, and horse-riding. 

Explore! 

Roanne and its surrounding area are a time-traveller's delight, with much to offer to lovers of the past. First a trading settlement and then an industrial centre, Roanne retains elements form all stages of its history, from antiquity to the Middle Ages and on to the Industrial Revolution.

Outside the town, discover mediæval villages and other historic sites with their impressive castles, monasteries and abbeys.

 

Roanne From Gallo-Roman Settlement to Mediæval Town 

In the Gallo-Roman period, the town, called Rodumna, was established on the banks of the Loire. Later it became an essential staging post on the royal road from Paris to Lyon, now the RN7, the "holiday road"  celebrated in Charles Trenet's song.

The historic centre of Roanne testifies to this rich past: the Gallo-Roman pottery kilns, dating from the 2nd century AD, produced famous "Roanne painted bowls", examples of which can be seen at the Musée Déchelette. The Château  de Roanne, with its facade in the Renaissance style, has a listed 12th century donjon.

Out Of Town Excursions 

Around Roanne are a number of mediæval villages, still surrounded by their walls.

Villerest, now part of the urban district, and Saint-Haon le Châtel, Charlieu, Le Crozet, Saint-Jean Saint-Maurice…all have an impressive architectural inheritance. The La Roche, Saint-Marcel de Félines and Corness d'Urfé castles are also well worth a visit.

Churches, Abbeys, Priories, Monasteries and Convents offer a remarkable wealth of religious architecture, from the Romanesque to the Gothic.

Unwind!

Roanne is a haven of peace, surrounded by a landscape full of variety, to be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback.

At its heart are the winding meanders of the Loire, one of the last untamed rivers of Europe.

On either side extends the broad plain of the Roannais, bordered on the east by the Monts du Beaujolais, and on the west by the Monts de la Madeleine, outliers of the Massif  Central.

The Riverbank: Perfect For Walking

The banks of the Loire, the towpath of the Roanne-Digoin canal, old gravel-pits turned into lakes… All these provide wonderful walks in impressive surroundings, amid the greenery of an unspoilt nature, while Gravière aux Oiseax sanctuary at Mably offers an opportunity to watch birds and discover the flora and fauna of the region. 

There's no doubt, around the lake, on the banks of the Loire, and in its parks and gardens, Roanne reveals its true nature!

Sport For All!

There's no shortage of sporting facilities in the immediate area, with the Villerest golf course, tennis courts and equestrian centres. A little further afield, the Loire and the mountains provide a variety of possibilities for outdoor recreation.

Rising to 1,287 metres, the Monts de la Madeleine offer the full range of mountain sports from winter through to summer, from climbing to cross-country and downhill ski-ing, as well as tree-climbing in a forest adventure park.

And for those who want to climb even higher, there is gliding, micro-light flying, paragliding, hang-gliding, hot-air ballooning. All these aerial sports are available, offering an incomparable opportunity to appreciate the magnificent landscapes.

A Vast Network Of Way-Marked Paths 

These offer a more intimate glimpse of the countryside to walkers, mountain-bikers and riders. There are numerous organised walks throughout the year, starting form villages of the Roannais. The oldest and most challenging is a 57km night-time walk in December, across the mountains from Roanne to Thiers, now an eighty-year old tradition.

All-in-all Roanne, set in Le Roannais, is a very special place, and should certainly be on your French list to visit!

You won't be disappointed! 

The Pays Roannais has a population of 154,000, 73,000 of whom live in the conurbation of Grand Roanne.

Roanne is an hour from Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand or Saint-Étienne by road or rail.

By Train

• Roanne is only three hours from Paris by TGV, via Le Creusot or Lyon
• Roanne is served by two cross-country lines, Geneva-Bordeaux and Lyon-Nantes.
• Twenty services a day from Roanne to Lyon and Saint-Étienne.

By Air  

There are three airports within easy reach of Roanne, offering scheduled domestic and international services:

• Lyon Saint-Exupéry international airport
• Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon
• Clermont-Ferrand-Aulnat
• Roanne-Renaison airfield serves private aircraft for business and leisure.

By Road

• Saint-Étienne by the A72 – 87 km.
• Clermont-Ferrand by the A89 – 126 km.
• Lyon by the RN7 – 81 km.
• Paris by the RN7, via Moulins, then the A77 at Nevers – 390 km.

For even more information on Roanne and le Roannais visit these websites:

www.leroannais.com

www.agglo-grandroanne.fr

www.escapades-roannais.com 

www.altibule.com 

 

 

 

MORE ON LE ROANNAIS

This beautiful, rural part of France has much to offer.

With the great River Loire  meandering its way virtually straight through the heart of this region, access to this famous river is easy and you are never far away from it!

As you travel through the local countryside la Loire appears often unexpectedly around the next corner, or you can see regular glimpses of it glistening through the trees or snaking its way down in a valley.

And, of course, around its edges and banks, within its gorges and surrounding hills, there are great opportunities for messing about in boats.

The regional canal system, too, is also near to hand, and provides even more accessibility to the essence of the glorious countryside around, and all its natural beauty and treasures viewed from a different perspective than by road.

There is plenty to do here in le Roannais -fishing, swimming, canoeing, cruising, hunting, rafting, walking, cycling, horse-riding, golfing, gliding, ballooning, ski-ing – the list goes on. All these activities, and many more besides can be found here in le Roannais, and other nearby regions which are easily accessible.

 

Here's just a few websites to check out:

www.espaceeauvive.com – Kayak/canoeing/rafting 

www.smagl.com – gorges of la Loire 

www.station-chamazel.com – ski-ing/snowboarding/sledging

www.altibulle.com – ballooning/micro-lites/gliding at the aerodrome de Roanne.

www.chateaudelaroche.fr – fairytale chateau on an island in the middle of la Loire.

www.noiretable-hautforez.com – fantastic forested are with great walks, nature trails, and cycling opportunities.

And don't forget the regional tourist site full of information on le Roannais linked on our site-   www.leroannais.com 

WATCH THIS SPACE ! – There's more to come!!