‘LE CENTRAL’ – A GREAT BISTRO-STYLE RESTAURANT IN ROANNE

It is inevitable that our 'blogs' and the information on our website will contain an increasing number of features and references to the many, varied, and exceptionally good restaurants in Le Roannais.

This beautiful region is certainly a special gastronomic paradise for the 'foodie' as well as the 'winie' !

'Le Central' is yet another one of those special restaurants which you just simply never tire visiting.

Part of the famous 'Troisgros' empire, this beautifully and stylishly appointed eatery was created by Marie-Pierre and Michel Troisgros, and is set in an original 1920's hotel.

A bistro-styled restaurant with great panache. The essence of the 1920's is still present in it's interior decor and ambient mood lighting.

There is also a café-epicerie element to the place, where you can purchase a range of high quality 'grocery' products, including olive oil and pasta, all beautifully presented and  packaged to 'gift' standard.

'Le Central' is located, quite conveniently, in the centre of Roanne near the station, and right next door to 'Maison Troisgros', the  Michelin-starred restaurant of international and world renown.

In fact, it has been intimated that 'Le Central' assists in the training of new chefs and waiting staff in preparation for the premier quality of service required by its older and bigger brother of a restaurant next door.

 

 I'm not entirely sure if this is true or not, but there is no doubt that 'Le Central' is an exceptional restaurant in its own right, and we visit the place as regularly as we can, and  usually more often than not with some of our best friends!

(And, of course, even though it is not 3-starred, the quality within its menu is superb without the starry-eyed prices!)

The interior, as indicated by our photos, is sophisticated and well designed, and the service reflects this high standard.

We have never been disappointed, and they willingly accept and encourage family eating either during the day or night. Ellis, our 6 year old son, has eaten there almost as often as us.

They will always provide a small adaptation from their main menu to suit a small child's appetite.

It's always a delight! 

We went with some friends a week or so ago, and once again we had a very enjoyable evening.

For Les Hors D'Oeuvres:

I had 'Risotto d'escargots au beurre vert' 

Lucy had 'Jardinière de légumes printaniers au coulis de tomate'

For Les Viandes:

Both Lucy and I had 'Foies de Lapin poêlés a l'ail nouveau' (rabbit liver) – absolutely excellent!

To complement our evening dinner we chose a bottle of  'Saint Joseph 2005 Rouvière'  and  a bottle of Mercurey 2005 Juillot both good red wines.(We preferred the latter). 

We declined the superb choice of fromages, and went straight for dessert, one of 'Le Central's' specialities, and one of our favourites – 'Dariole au chocolat coulant, glace vanille'. ( Almost 'erotic' and certainly to 'die' for!) I can fully recommend it!

Just go! When you are next in town, of course! 

You won't be disappointed.

Le Central

20, Cours de la Republique

42300 Roanne

Telephone: 04 77 67 72 72 

 

ANOTHER FUN DAY OUT CANOEING ON LA LOIRE

 

Just couldn't resist another adventure on the French 'Amazon' !

Once more unto the breach, my love!!

Yes, a little different from the last time we ventured onto the waters of La Loire, because my wife, Lucy, had been persuaded (rather reluctantly, I might add) to join us on our voyage into the unknown! (well, it was for her, as she had never done anything like canoeing before.) She was, to put it mildly, a little apprehensive.

However, we all set off – Me, Lucy, and our son, Ellis, and our friends Jackie, Mark, and their son, Daniel.

It was a glorious, sunny day, and we were going to be canoeing on a different part of La Loire this time. Starting from Roanne, near the harbour, and travelling over 4 hours to  the third bridge just outside the village of Briennon.

We had decided to make most of the day of it, and pull in at some point about halfway for a picnic ( We had prepared well, along with absolute essentials such as a good bottle of the local Cote Roannaise Rosé wine, pre-chilled and then carefully packed with iced coolers.) I was really looking forward to it! (and the wine!).

More than I can say for Lucy!

However, we met up with our canoeing guys who installed us in their 4 x 4, plus a trailer of canoes.

We sat in our lifejackets next to a family of Germans.

It was obviously going to be a somewhat competitive trek!

Lucy is half German on  her mother's side, so I felt that we might have the edge! 

 

We arrived at our embarkation point in Roanne. The sun was shining, the water seemed a gentle ripple reflecting the sunlight. A perfect day for it, whatever 'it' turned eventually out to be.

Things looked good.

We jumped eagerly in (well, except Lucy), and set off into the unknown again.

And it was, indeed, the unknown!

In our canoe Lucy was up front, Ellis centre, and me at the back in driving and commander role, of course.

 

Lucy took her time to gain her river legs, particularly as we had only paddled about 10 metres when we grounded, having hit bottom on a gravel bank in the middle of a fairly fast-moving part of the river.

The canoe wobbled. Lucy wobbled. The canoe wobbled even more!

Lucy's screams of panic could be heard all the way down the river to Roanne Port!

We didn't bother, however, to set off any distress flares at this point.(Kept them in reserve until later!) 

I got out and pushed the canoe off into deeper water, and then scrambled back in.

Lucy calmed down and settled into a bit of a rhythm with the paddle. 

We were off at last! Into 'The Wild'.

But the ride, and 'The Wild' was much different than before – Yes, fantastic scenery, herons, egrets, fish, and river bank vistas, but this time alot of mini-rapids with lots of rocks above and below the water, and swirling currents, where I had to get out on several occasions and rescue the boat with all my charges on board!

I had to dig deep! I was the 'hero' of the day!! 

 

We settled down, though, and it was all great fun. Lucy really enjoyed it, and turned out to be quite a paddler (although that was possibly because she wanted to get to the end, and finish her 'nightmare' experience as soon as possible!)

I, of course joke.

She really did have fun, and surprised herself, and me!

The additional point I am also making here is that you do not have to be an experienced canoeist with Olympic talents to enjoy this activity, here in Le Roannais.

Nor is it prohibitive to be only 6 years old, like Ellis and Daniel.

It is excellent family fun, and good exercise to boot.

It is very safe if you follow a few simple rules. La Loire at this point of its flow down south is quite shallow, and provides for an easy canoe ride, despite the rather exciting mini-rapids.

Our picnic was also a success, and the wine was perfect! We relaxed.

The children played in the mud by the riverbank. It was idyllic.

And, although we could've easily beaten the Germans to the last bridge, in good old British form we decided that we couldn't be arsed!!

When you find yourself in Le Roannais and you want a bit of canoeing fun check out:-

'Canoé Loire Aventure' at Briennon

Telephone 06 07 88 48 78

 

 

Alternativeley, if you would like us to arrange a complete activity week/week-end for you,  including travel and accommodation please let us know, and e-mail us at info@purefrancenow.com

Canoeing, Horse-riding, Fishing, Ballooning, Gliding, Micro-lite flying, Golfing, Karting, Cycling, Quad-biking, and much much more in Le Roannais.

Adventure and Fun with Style for Families, Friends, Clubs, Corporate Events/Conferences, and Company 'Team Building'  week-ends. Tailor-made to your exact requirements and budget, including  flights, vehicle hire, Gite/Hotel/Chateau accommodation and restaurant reservations. It's easy!

 

 

 

 

Its worth the effort, and worth enquiring a little further to discover the many opportunities in 'Le Roannais!  

LE BONHEUR EST DANS LE PRÉ, ROANNE

Yet another exceptionally good restaurant in Roanne, Le Roannais!

"Le Bonheur est dans le Pré" is owned and managed by a great couple – Fabrice and Sabine Brisse.

The unusual name of the restaurant can be literally translated to mean "Happiness is in the Field" ( seemingly relating to pastimes of honest toil, and natural, wholesome food).

This French phrase is well-known, and as with many things French has a more philosophical and deeper meaning.

The original Phrase was created by Paul Fort, French poet and prose writer, born in 1860,  for one of his poems. Since then it has been re-used and re-interpreted for various occasions, including the title of a French comedy Film amongst many others.

It has been incorporated into the French psyche, and seems to mean that 'Happiness' is in the pre-amble to all good things, and their anticipation, like looking forward to 'Life' and all it holds for the future! 

This Restaurant obviously endeavours to achieve and reflect, in its own small way, the essence and meaning of this French 'saying'.

We think it does! 

Our second visit in a year, having originally been introduced to their culinary delights and warm, convivial atmosphere by our 'adopted' French family and excellent good friends, Adeline and Jean-Francois.

The menu of Le Bonheur is based entirely on the cuisine and wholesome 'tastes and flavours of the Sud Ouest (South West of France),  and it is proudly dedicated to the  celebration of 'canard' (duck!).

We enjoyed our visit the first time in 2006, and this time Lucy and I went for a 'romantic' evening out 'sans' our son, Ellis (AD and JF were boy-sitting for the evening, along with their beautiful new arrival, 3 month-old, Hector!) 

Once again, we were not disappointed.

The place has a friendly 'buzz' about it, and its decor is an eclectic mélange of images and rustic objet d'art from the south west of France.

The interior lighting is subdued and ambient which contributes to its informal quality and  intimacy, along with an 'infill' of contemporary background music.

When we arrived, at around 8.00pm, there were already plenty of people congregating around the bar, having either 'apertifs' or the obligatory after-meal Armagnac. 

 

Pleasantly welcomed by Sabine, we were comfortably seated in a cosy corner and quickly relaxed, enjoying the hostelry's evening charisma.

We chose easily and went for the set 'menu decouverte de la Gascogne'  (32 euros).

It was a good choice!

And one which we were to be totally delighted with.

The service was also impeccable, easy-going, and friendly. 

 

Starting with an 'Aperitif le Pousse-rapiere' (Créme d'oranges à l'Armagnac avec petillant)

Next, 'Assiette Gasconne' (Foie gras maison mi-cuit, Magret séché, et Terrine de canard à l'Armagnac) 

Followed by, 'Demi magret de canard'  with sauce au foie gras, pommes de terre gersoises.

I had also chosen, on recommendation from Sabine, a typical red wine from 'Sud Ouest' – Madiran, Chateau Bouscassé 2000 from the village of Maumusson. It complemented the duck perfectly. 

Then, 'Fromages des Pyrénées' ( strong-flavoured, medium hard cheese served with black cherry confiture)

 

And last, but not least, for dessert, 'Croustade gersoise' (prune tart with flaky pastry, served with a delicious prune sauce).

Yes, we were pretty 'complet' and 'replete'  by then, but the whole meal was superb, satisfying, and just that bit different from the normal local dishes we regularly experience.

I did have a small Armagnac, of course, to help with the digestion! 

Then Fabrice, Chef de Cuisine, came over for a chat, and he also offered me a 'tasting' of an older-aged Armagnac of exceptional quality which I simply could not refuse.

It arrived in a very large glass, and certainly must have been close to a treble, or more.

Anyway, I enjoyed it tremendously, and still managed to 'wobble' off to settle the bill!

 

Le Bonheur est dans le Pré
9 Place Victor Hugo                                              Roanne 

Telephone: 04 77 70 36 66

Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday lunchtime.

Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings 

 

A SURPRISE DAY OUT IN GENÉVE (full of surprises!)

Yes! Yes! I know Geneva is in Switzerland and this website is primarily all about Le Roannais, Rhone-Alpes in France, BUT…… Geneva is another one of the many great places which is very easily accessible from Le Roannais.

It is less than 3 hours drive away on superb auto-routes, and it is a brilliant city to visit, and you also get to see some fantastic scenery on the way through France to the Swiss side.

Although we have flown to Geneva a few times as a cheap Easyjet flight route to France, we  had never visited the city – being too busy, too tired to bother, and with a simple 'lets get to Le Roannais' in our minds!

Anyway, here we go!

 

Without getting into too much history and background on the place, I do, however, have to set the scene a little.

Geneva (French pronunciation: Genéve ) is the second most populous city in Switzerland (after Zurich). It is situated where Lake Geneva (French 'Lac Léman' ) flows into the

Rhône river, and is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

The metropolitan area – which extends into neighbouring France and Swiss Canton of Vaud – has a total population of 960,000.

Geneva is, of course, widely regarded as a global city, mainly due to the presence of numerous international organisations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations.

A 2006 survey found Geneva to have the second highest quality of living in the world (after Zurich).

                                         My sort of place!!

(You can obtain more very interesting facts and history about this great city, and the surrounding area, on the free Wikipedia encyclopedia website.)

My wife, Lucy, and son, Ellis (6 years old) had a great day out. Helped, of course, by the blue skies and hot sunshine.

We parked our car easily in an exceptionally clean and modern underground car park called 'les Alpes', situated at one end of le pont du Mont Blanc, and then we ambled down in the sunshine down to Quai du Mont-Blanc on the edge of the lake where all the small sailing boats and launches are moored in their hundreds.

 

It's good to see a great stretch of water and the quality atmosphere that seems to flow from a marine lifestyle.

I like the freshness of the air, and coolness of the clear mountain waters of lake Geneva.

The harbour promenade and the views from it are stunningly beautiful, and we saunted along the front and found a little harbour cafe where we had a coffee (Ellis had lemonade), and watched the world go by on foot, and on the water. Very tranquil.

We had decided already to book an hours boat voyage on the lake – it was such a great day for it!

 

And, of course, we knew Ellis would enjoy the fun of the ride.

There are several large cruising vessels, most of them look like small Victorian steamers, and could easily play their part in an Agatha Christie film, or such like.

They add to the interest and ambience of the place, alluding to a past empire of travellers and adventurers, along with the associations of quality and riches. 

You can pay for 1 hour or 2 hour cruises with stop-offs around the lake. We chose a straightforward jaunt from one side to the other, just for an hour.

We boarded one of the small, but attractive, vessels at 11.00am, and knew that we would be back in time to search for somewhere pleasant for lunch.

 

We got a great perch at the back of the boat, and relaxed whilst it chugged off. The views across the lake were great with the Alpine backdrop, and the nautical surroundings along with sound of wave and back wash added tremendously to the  experience – it was great fun.

There were some incredible-looking properties on the lakeside – mansions, chateaux , villas of different styles, and sizes. Most of them with their own boat houses and private moorings.

My mind wandered and dreamed. Wouldn't it be great to live on the edge of this beautiful lake and occasionally boat into the harbour, and shop and dine in the city.

Reality lurched back as the thought of the amount of money required disturbed my fantasy. I nice idea, though! 

We docked perfectly, and we embarked, having had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.

All this roving on big waters, and the thought of investing in real estate had certainly stimulated my hunger pangs.

We wandered around for awhile, and eventually stumbled upon a little gem of a restaurant. By simple luck, as these things happen, we discovered  'Resto By Arthur's' on Pont de la Machine.

I was originally drawn by the stylish exterior of the place with black parasols, and neatly dressed tables – a quality 'feel' oozed from the place, but without any 'highbrow' or 'snobby' overtones.

We immediately went for it!  And were politely seated on the outside terrace with views across to the harbour and lake – couldn't have been better!

We were given the menu and we read with anticipation.

It all sounded good. We ordered a glass of refreshingly chilled white wine, and chose our Sunday Lunch!

Well, I cannot say enough in praise for this restaurant, and we certainly had not realised that we had per chance made a very wise decision to eat there.

It was excellent all round! No doubt about it.

From service to food to environment – full marks.

I assure you that I am, in particular, not that easily pleased, unless I am virtually starving, and hardly care! (ask my wife!).

Our Entrées were as follows:

I indulged in Terrine de foie gras chutney de mangue et gingembre, pain toasté.

 

Every single choice on the menu had accompanied with it a suggested wine which would compliment it. ( we didn't go quite that far!)

Lucy had, simply, Risotto de légumes.

We ordered Ellis's main course (Plats) at the same time. He had Filet de bœuf, without the Mont-Blanc de céleri 

For Plats:

Lucy and I both had Volaille marinée au sweet chilly et pommes paille. (Superbly presented, and exquisite) 

For Desserts: I declined, as I was feeling quite full, but Lucy and Ellis went for it.

Lucy had Moelleux au chocolat, espuma de pistache.

Ellis had une boule glace chocolat.

Freed from not having any dessert  I went in search of les toilettes.

I was stunned!!

When we arrived, we did not enter the main restaurant building, we just sat outside.

The interior was remarkable, and my words cannot fully describe the architectural and decorative vista that greeted me, so I hope the pictures which I avidly took give you some impression of my experience.

When I got back to our table, I was literally open-mouthed.

There is a story to tell here. 

Basically, it seems, the main building is occupied by a bar, restaurant, and 'temple' to Swatch watches.

Presented on several floors with central stairway – all designed in a 'chic', contemporary style, and with a 'hi-tec' 'event-like' museum dedicated totally to the celebration of watchmaking, and to Swatch watches, in particular.

The building and its permanent exhibition is called 'La Cité du Temps'.

On the top two floors, the theme is complete Swatch with large video screens, continously running with past images and adverts associated with Swatch, and the Swiss watch industry in general.

A sample of every single Swatch watch produced, was displayed, hi-tec style, in illuminated glass cabinets – there were hundreds of them – it was very graphic and mesmerising, and just cleverly and brilliantly done.

The only permanent exhibition in the world to show all of the Swatch watches ever produced from 1983 until today.

 

I need to go back for a proper look! 

Further to this story (and, indeed, an  additional twist) I believe the building to be owned by a highly successful and creative entrepreneur, and its total concept, including the restaurant which we had eaten in, was due to his vision.

His name is Dominique Mottas.

In 1977, at the tender age of 18, he opened his first discotheque – 'Le Cash Box'.

He then went on to bigger and better things, and eventually founded the Arthurs Group in 1985 – specialising in restaurants, entertainment, and eventing. This included a range of different businesses – cafes, bars, lounges, restaurants, clubs, and the organisation of private and public events.

And we stumbled into one of his current creations by complete accident – amazing!

Well, we had an incredibly entertaining and enjoyable day out in Genéve with best of surprises along the way, and we will certainly be going again.

I hope very soon! I can hardly wait!!

I am already scrolling the web for my lakeside dreamhouse!

I'll let you know how I get on!!

 

 

 

. 

 

Take a look at these websites:

www.geneve-tourisme.ch     www.arthurs.ch     www.swatch.com     www.fhs.ch

                     

                                            

                           

            
 

LES HALLES DIDEROT, ROANNE – by Lucy Franklin

'Les Halles Diderot' is the best quality indoor food market in Roanne, and probably in the whole of Le Roannais.

Good food is generally not hard to come by in France, whether form village markets or your local 'supermarché'. Fresh produce in particular is of high quality, and seasonal (something we seemed to have forgotten in the UK!).

However, there are lots of little 'gems' that if I didn't know better I would suspect the French were trying to keep it to themselves!

One such delight is an indoor market in our local town of Roanne – called 'Les Halles Diderot'.

Hidden away on the outskirts of the main shopping area, you would certainly pass by without giving it much of a glance – as in fact we, ourselves, must have done for some 7 years or more until one of our French friends asked if we had shopped there.

 

 

'Les Halles' also has the advantage of being open on a Sunday morning when it is a bustle of the local French shopping for their family gatherings that seem to be the norm.

My favourite stall has to be Maison Pralus – a famous local chocolatier and patisserie (though their produce can be found as far away as Fortnum and Mason in London).

They sell a wide range of the most gorgeous, very beautiful and tempting pastries and cakes – virtual works of art in themselves, and totally mouth-watering!

Pralus is also famous for a regional treat that I had never tried for years, but once tasted you cannot get enough!

This is called 'Praluline'. It's a brioche type base which is studded with crispy morsels of  sugar-coated hazelnut. They look a little bizarre at first because of their pinky colouring,  but sold freshly baked, they are absolutely gorgeous!

Everything they sell (they also have a couple of shops in the main town) is wrapped delightfully, and makes a perfect gift for an afternoon rendezvous with friends.

Oh! and I almost forgot, yet another of their specialities – that you can also buy around the region from other shops/producers (but none taste quite as amazing as the Pralus originals) are mini almond macaroons that come in a rainbow of colours and flavours, from pistachio to lemon, and very colour in between, including chocolate, of course!

Enough of the 'sweet' . Let me talk cheese.

Les Halles also boasts, arguably, the best 'fromagerie' in the region – 'Maison Mons'.

This fantastic family-run business supply most of the top restaurants in Roanne, and the surrounding area, including the famous 3 Michelin-starred restaurant – 'Troisgros'.

You can wander around the extensive displays of both local and international cheeses (at Christmas time they even sell English 'stilton' – extremely rare for France!), or you can chat to the pristinely-dressed owners and they will put together the most fantastic selection for you, beautifully arranged on vine leaves in a round wooden box.

Nothing ever seems to be too much trouble for shopkeepers over here. They are proud of their produce, and want you to enjoy and appreciate it! 

One of our French friends, when feeling particularly lazy, has gone along to 'Le Mons' and  chosen a superb selection of cheeses, and we have then had the most amazing 'tasting'  accompanied with nothing more than some excellent bread, and the obligatory white and red wine.(Well, we might also have ended the meal with a fruit tart from Maison Pralus!!)

For the non-vegetarians amonst you there is also one of the best 'boucheries' in the area, here at Les halles.

Again, the most helpful of staff – a family business, they always seem to have so much pride in what they do.

It can be a bit confusing buying joints of meat here, as they all seem to be slightly different from that sold in the UK .

I remember panicking the first time I bought a leg of lamb from Monsieur Séon. I pointed to the one I wanted and asked in my best French explaining that it was for 8-9 people.

He promptly took it form the counter and into the back preparation area of the shop where I could see him slicing away at my large leg of lamb!

Unable to protest, I was now, in my mind, quickly trying re-adjust my evening menu to cater for diced lamb instead!

When he returned he had, in fact, skilfully trimmed all the fat and skin off the meat, which, I must admit, I was still a little unsure about.

But, I have to say, that once studded with garlic and rosemary, and roasted correctly in the oven, it was the best leg of lamb I have ever cooked and tasted!! (Thank you, Monsieur Sélon!)

I could go on describing the delights of the lovely couple at 'la Pomme Bleu', who sell the most excellent quality of fruit and vegetables, displayed beautifully in pyramids of colour.

Or, the fabulous boulangerie with their baked bread from the wood-burning oven.

The pungent aromas from the freshly-ground coffee at Maison Thivoyon, or the amazing variety of fresh crustations and fish piled high on iced mountains at the two poissoneries.

 

 

Other than these, there are flowers to be bought, charcuterie, and, of course, wine (which my husband attends to on a regular basis!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

In fact, some 17 producers or more are collected together in this amazing indoor market.

If you are ever in Le Roannais take a look, and see if you agree with me – I think you just might!! 

 

 

LE PETIT PRINCE – AN OASIS IN LA MADELEINE

We discovered, after a recommendation, this beautiful restaurant near les Monts de la Madeleine in the region of Forez, part of Le Roannais.

We had, in fact, heard of this restaurant before from some of our French friends but never visited it.

Le Petit Prince is described in one of the local tourist guides as a ‘Restauration Gastronomique’. It ‘lives’ in a little village called St.Alban les Eaux, the home of ‘St.Alban’,  a well known brand of bottled water which is sold internationally, including England.

St.Alban les Eaux is an attractive little village just 15km outside Roanne, and Le Petit Prince is tucked away down a little driveway announced by an arched and decorated metal gateway.

On a late, warm, and sunny summer’s evening we arrived with great expectations – we were not disappointed.

This was a bit of a treat for all of us, but we’d planned it as pre- eighteenth birthday meal with our son OJ while he was out with us in France.(A good excuse!!)

We were pleasantly greeted by a young waitress/maitre d’  dressed smartly in black with a black apron.

We entered a superbly decorated courtyard and terrasse and led to a table under a large, leafy tree.

The place was smart traditional, and it was obvious that we had arrived at place that was professionally run, and serious about its job of providing gastronomic delights.

We sat in anticipation as we were delightfully served by very friendly waitresses and a very experienced maitre d’hotel.

After a champagne-pêche aperitif we were were served with cold tomato gazpachio, and then we all had grenouilles (frogs) as our starters (my 6 year-old son, Ellis also nibbled his way through a full portion to himself!). Superbly presented on a white oblong plate, and absolutely delicious!

We, of course, also had ‘St Alban’ sparkling water, along with a pretty good Chateauneuf du Pape – Chateau de Vandieu 2001. Served, I might add, at a perfect temperature!

For main course I had Fillet de Charolais avec cepes with carotte mousse and petite tranche pomme de terre. I have to say, one of the best cooked fillets I’ve ever tasted in France!

My son OJ had the same, and my wife, Lucy, had grilled lamb with purrée of carotte and griddled courgettes, and sweet corn fritters. Both enjoyed their meals as much as I did.

The wine was flowing, the ambience of our surroundings improved even more as the evening sunlight faded. The warmth of the night and the warm friendliness of the service we were receiving just made the experience a total delight.

After our main course we were served a little tastebud refresher in a shot glass, consisting of wild strawberries and pistachio sorbet – just perfect!

Dessert was also superbly made and presented.(we had chosen when we had ordered our main courses, and these were obviously beautifully and painstakingly made for us. 

These were a mixture of chocolate and vanilla artistically presented in the form of little gateaux with  twirled biscuit. (just to die for!)

My writing and description about this fantastic little restaurant cannot do it justice at all.

It must be experienced directly, so that you can simply make your own assessment.

But one thing is for sure – if you visit this region it is ‘obligatoire’ that you visit this restaurant, too!

To my wife’s embarrassment I had the urge to take some photos, and was even invited by the maitre d’ to take some shots of the working kitchen, too.

Some of these you can see here. Happy eating!!

Le Petit Prince

Le Bourg. St Alban les Eaux

Telephone: 04 77 65 87 13

Menus de 22 to 54 euros. Menu Enfant 11 euros

Purefrancenow Roannais Restaurant Directory

http://www.restaurant-lepetitprince.fr/

Visit www.purefrancenow.com for more information on the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, including special gourmet week-ends, business events, private celebrations, holiday and property opportunities.