PLACES TO EAT…

On this page are details of places we and/or our friends have visited and enjoyed a really nice meal. As a general rule we look to eat at restaurants serving French food rather than English and we frequently seek out places that serve good basic local cuisine. We find that a good guide at lunchtime can be the number of EDF, EGF and FranceTelecom vans that are parked outside. Add a few local artisans’ vans and you may have stumbled upon a great place to eat lunch!!!

We hope that you will be as pleased with your meal if you visit any of the following as we were. If you disagree with our opinion please let us know as things can change with new owners etc. and we want to keep these recommendations fresh and up to date.

Montmorillon, Vienne

La Terrasse Salon de The/Bar, 8 rue de Vieux Pont, 86500 Montmorillon - www.laterrasse-montmorillon.vpweb.co.uk - 05 49 48 28 43

Just over the border in the Vienne is the beautiful town of Montmorillon which is, itself well worth a visit. Walking up to the older part of town you cross a beautiful and well preserved 14^th century bridge spanning the Gartempe river. 

Just before crossing the bridge is La Terrasse Salon de The/Bar which we suggest is well worth a visit if you are looking for a drink and a snack rather than a full meal.

La Terrasse is run by owner Kim Stupple and is frequented by French, English and other nationalities. On warm days you can sit in what we would call a courtyard, but is described as the terrace, either in the sun or shade. On days when it is not so warm there is plenty of space inside in the comfortable seating areas. 

You can indulge in tea or flavoured teas and infusions (cost from EUR1.80 to EUR2.30). There is a good range of coffees available (cost from EUR1.10 to EUR2.30) as well as a good selection juices, sodas, squash, cans, milkshakes and various alcoholic drinks from the bar. To compliment the drinks there are homemade cakes and scones and, only in the summer, there are sandwiches and salads and ice cream.

Opening times vary between summer and winter so check web site.

Highly Recommended – visited in September 2009

photos - Jacqui Welham

Turenne – Correze

Restaurant La Vicomte, Place de Halle - 19500 Turenne - Tél: 0555859132 - www.lavicomte.com

South of the Haute Vienne is Turenne, a wonderful medieval town dating from the IXth century. The restaurant is easy to find as it is up the hill enroute to the historic tower with its magnificent views.

The day of our visit in August it was very hot but we sat outside under the shade of umbrellas but you have the option of sitting inside or outside. There were a number of choices on the menu which of course was in French. However, the lady who provided very efficient service in looking after us spoke excellent English and ensured that we knew what we had ordered. Otherwise our discussions were in a vague form of French and she had the patience to try our communication skills. If your mastering of the French language is not so good, then help is at hand.

The Plat du Jour offered three options for the three courses of food. It was fresh and cooked to individual requirements. There was the usual selection of wines and other drinks.

Well recommended - visited August 2009
 
photo - Jacqui Welham