Let's eat!

Ardèche on Your Plate: Our Top Picks

Because holidays are also (especially?) about eating well.

Here, a love of good food isn't a vice, it's a way of life. Whether you fancy a relaxing meal or cooking delicious local produce in your cottage, we've selected the very best of the region for you.

Here are our tried and tested favorites.

1. The "Zero Effort" Solution: Our Table d'Hôtes

Don't feel like driving tonight? Looking for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere?

Four evenings a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), Damien takes to the kitchen to offer you hearty, home-style cooking. It's often an opportunity to taste the famous Ardèche caillette or our chestnut velouté.

• Remember to book 48 hours in advance!
  
  

2. Our Favorite Restaurants

When we're not cooking, we love going out! Here are some places we go to without hesitation.

• Friendly advice: In the Ardèche, good restaurants are popular, especially during peak season. Always remember to book your table a few days in advance.

Just a short walk away (The village of Ailhon):

• Maison Ailhon: A true gem located in the heart of the village. Forget a simple snack; here, we're talking gourmet and inventive cuisine . The chef reinterprets local ingredients with boldness and finesse. It's the ideal place for a special evening or to celebrate a special occasion, right next door.

For a treat (Aubenas & Surrounding Area - 10/15 min):

• Around the pizza, Mercuer: A must-visit address for pizzas and Italian specialties.

• The fishing cat, flavor notes, the gourds, the Masters' Square in Aubenas or Lou Castagnou in Chazeaux: Perfect for a romantic dinner or to discover a more refined cuisine.

• Béatrix in Vals les bains, la Coquerie in Saint-Etienne de Fontbellon: Reliable choices with good value for money for simpler meals and guaranteed enjoyment.

(Don't hesitate to ask us for advice before you leave; we'll be able to guide you according to your preferences: terrace, fine dining, or pizza with the children!)

3. Shop at the Market & Cook "Local"

Are you staying in a holiday cottage and want to enjoy your fully equipped kitchen? Here's where to find the treasures of the Ardèche for your meals or picnics by the river.

The Must-See Markets:

• Saturday Morning (Aubenas): It's THE institution. The whole department comes here. It's colorful, lively, and you can find absolutely everything there.

• Sunday Morning (Vals-les-Bains): More intimate, very pleasant for strolling along the banks of the Volane.

• Tuesday Morning (Largentière): An authentic market in a medieval town.

Our Favorite Producers & Artisans:

We get our food from them for the communal dining table; you can go there on our behalf:

• La Musette (Aubenas): A fantastic shop selling local produce. Everything is fresh, everything comes from here (fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meat). Perfect for stocking up the fridge when you arrive.

• Moulin Butcher Shop (St Etienne de Fontbellon): For lovers of good meat and artisanal charcuterie.

• Caves du Vivarais (St Etienne de Fontbellon): To find the Ardèche wine that will accompany your barbecue.
  

The Ardèche "Survival Kit":

If you leave without having tasted a Picodon (goat cheese), a Caillette (herb pâté), some Crème de Marrons and a Viognier , have you really come to Ardèche?