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!

 

Expensive but absolutely delicious

• St Pierre Restaurant, Moncoutant

Arm and a leg job, only for special occasions, but truly wonderful food presented magnificently. Wasn’t sure about the goldfish (in bowl) on each table!!

 

Less expensive but the same quality of food

• Relais des Saveurs, Neuvy-Bouin

The chef from the St Pierre runs this as a sideline. The seating is off the bar so don’t choose a night there is an important football match or you won’t be able to hear yourselves think!

 

Normal range of set menu prices

• L’Etoile, L’Absie

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

 

• 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 3 course lunches at only €13. 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!)

 

Cheap and cheerful

• 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!