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won't go hungry, but you will need a car to get to even the nearest
places. Local restaurants tend to serve up hearty food, with superb
fresh produce.
There
are some posher options too. While there is currently only one Michelin-starred
establishment (see below), you are unlikely to be disappointed anywhere
for friendliness or value-for-money. Here are some of our favourites.
For
restaurants further afield (towns, coast, islands) click
here.
Click
on the small images below to enlarge.
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This
one you can walk to from La Brechoire in under two hours. Relais
de Verdille has a set lunch, including good buffet, for
12€.
Also à la carte until about 9pm. Plus a 'pizza hut' in the
car-park, open until 11pm for takeaways. Open every day
Relais de Verdille: Le Breuil, 16170 Verdille
T: 05 45 xxxxxxx |
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Although
Jarnac is the headquarters of Courvoisier, it has
only a few hotels and restaurants. Amongst the latter is the posh
but welcoming Du Château, where we had a
very good lunch for a wine-inclusive 50€ each. A very good
meal (particularly for the Champagne cocktails), with impeccable
service. Closed: Mon
Du Château: 15, Place du Château,
16200 Jarnac T: 05 45 81 07 17 / E: |
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A
good walk along from Jarnac past Hine's chais takes you
to the village of Bourg-Charente, with a church,
a shop, a campsite and Thierry Verrat's La Ribaudière
(Michelin 1*). You can eat on the terrace on a sunny day. Go for
the very reasonable Menu du Marché at 32€ and choose
the wine carefully. Closed: Sun eve and Mon
La Ribaudière: Place du Port, 16200
Bourg-Charente T: 05 45 81 30 54 Website |
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The
epitome of the bargain blow-out can be experienced at the Fins
Bois in Rouillac, preferably on a market
day (the 27th of each month). It's popular with farmers and office
worker, so try to reserve a table. Under Portuguese-born chef and
really good value for lunch. Closed: Mon
Auberge des Fins Bois: 19, Rue de Jarnac,
16170 Rouillac T: 05 45 96 85 15 |
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I
always used to have trouble finding Les Romarins,
despite it being so near. Best to start from Siecq
and turn right to Coucoussac. Big garden and a
cosy room with a wood stove. Friendly service with earthy stuff
like stewed boar, pigeons, snails and foie gras. Popular
for birthdays, hen nights etc. No credit cards! Closed:
Wed
Auberge Les Romarins: 2, Rue Cerisier, 17490
Coucoussac T: 05 46 26 64 89 |
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Very
popular, especially in summer. La Chaumière
is right on the river at La Chapelle, with fishing
and walks in the 'garden'. Good trout, crayfish in cognac (sometimes
even pike), steaks, salads. Menus 13€-30€. Huge terrace.
Closed: Thu
La Chaumière: Le Bourg, 16140 La Chapelle
(Marcillac-Lanville) T: 05 45 96 58 13 |
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Le
Square is nothing special really - we just like it! Good
choice after the Aigre Thursday morning market.
It seems to be two restaurants in one, with the cheaper side selling
good pizzas and daily specials. There's also the 'Frog House' in
the market square (Le Bilboquet) - you'll know
it when you see it. Closed: Mon
Hotel Le Square: Place des Halles, 16140 Aigre
T: 05 45 21 10 72 |
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Le
Commerce is an OK local with the usual earthy specialities
(eels, frogs, snails etc.). Market days in Beauvais
are Tuesday and Thursday. Haven't been to this place for a couple
of years so can someone report please?
Le Commerce: 17490 Beauvais sur Matha T: 05
46 26 21 05 |
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In
a beautiful location by the river at Marsac, with
outdoor tables in a quiet garden, La Guinguette
is always busy in summer. Gargantuan quantities of home-cooked food,
litres and litres of wine on the table - homemade eau de vie
in a help-yourself bottle - for about 22€. A walk afterwards
is a good idea. Closed: evenings and Sun
La Guinguette: 16570 Marsac T: 05 45 21 44
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Copyright
© 2001-2010 Colin Wight & Anne Young
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