Eating out

 

Quite a number of cafes and small restaurants serve lunch but not dinner. Some are seasonal and others open all year round but only certain days, so it is always best to phone for a reservation. This is a very rural area!

  

• L’Etoile, L’Absie

Popular place, buffet starter which makes it easier for vegetarians to fill up their plates with suitable choices.

 

• Le Pic Vert, Vouvant

On the other side of the river from the town and right on the water's edge (you can hire boats there too) Sit outside in the sunshine or stay indoors. Good selection of main courses, well prepared and presented. Maily ices or crepes for dessert.

 

• Relais de la Poste, La Chataigneraie

Good food. Big, old-fashioned dining room or tables out in a little courtyard.

 

• L'Auberge du Maitre Pannetier Vouvant

Food is good but a bit more expensive than it ought to be because this is a very touristy, arty village.

 

• Le Carpe d’Or, Pescalis near Moncoutant

Open in the summer but only certain lunchtimes out of season. There is also a café at Pescalis for drinks, pizzas and other snacks.

 

• Le Piano, Vernoux en Gâtine

Open for good value 3 course lunches. Food extremely good quality and well presented but only 2 choices for each course. If you go in the evening you have the benefit of the chef coming out of the kitchen to play the piano (hence the name!)

 

• Le Relais Delice, La Chataigneraie

Good selection of main meals, beautifully cooked. They also do gallettes and Bruschetta for a lighter meal at lunchtime. Wide choice of desserts but mainly crepe or icecream based. Very friendly. They have an outside area for warm days (Too hot in the summer) The owners usually send me discount vouchers so you can even have 10% off!

 

 Le Chaudron, Chantemerle

Routier type accommodation (the dining tables are at the other end of the main room from the bar) Salad bar for starters and then only one choice of main and dessert. Ample portions. Nothing fancy but well cooked and tasty.

 

Something different

• Le Manoir, Noirterre

You have to like bread to eat here! Every course is accompanied by pitta-type breads straight out of the oven. Would not have been surprised if he’d cooked some more to go with the pudding!! Very garrulous owner who will regale you with the history of his oven, his property and the gallo-roman period (but neither he nor his wife speak English)

 

• Le Truffaut, Parthenay

Specialises in traditional Auverge recipes including a braised potato dish from which it derives its name. Closed all winter. Very popular so always need to book. Seating rather squashed together which is OK if you fancy making new friends!