Pays de la Loire Restaurants

La Ridelloise: Charming family restaurant in Azay-le-Rideau

by Beausoleil

We've eaten here several times. It's the friendliest restaurant in Azay. You feel part of the family. You will find a few tourists, mostly families, but also many Azay citizens. The restaurant is quite reasonable in cost and the daily special is a bargain. We usually order the special unless we have eaten that particular dish a few times recently. Then we'll order one of the menus. We have never been disappointed here.This is also an excellent restaurant for families.Update 2011: The daily special is up to 9.50 euros . . . still a great bargain! Here's my Journal entry for our last trip to Le Ridelloise. "Most, we noted, were having the nine euro daily special but Ed opted for the 13 euro salmon menu while Peg and I got the 17 euro duck that was a house special. It was fantastic. The duck, cooked in a red wine sauce, was falling off the bone and was served with an excellent potato...

Salon de The: Amazing...

by adema29

Even if you don't want to see Chateaux, I would like to recommend you the Loire Valley.Even the light there is sweet and special and the sights too. You will have a beautiful honeymoon there but you can go there to fill the batteries also.I would recommend you to enjoy a french cake (or chocolate) in every village you'll find in that area, especially in "Salon de The" in Amboise.There is a lovely old place. We were so lucky to meet there the nice old lady which was owning the place... in 2002. I hope that she is still there checking that everything is ok.It is much better in my opinion than rushing to Nice just to follow the crowd...Loire Valley is amazing and pure... go there!

Farmers Market: Picnic on the Banks of the Loire

by hquittner

As we left the Church of Cunault it was still raining , but a farmers market had opened. It was Sunday and we knew of no restaurant. We were prepared with paper and utensils, a knife-corkscrew but no cup. We bought everything except soup (even nuts) having decided to eat in the car. Luckily the rain stopped and we found the banks of the Loire deserted and nearby. We sat on our rain-jackets. The Loire above Angers is essentially not commercially navigable with many islands and sandbars, like many Spanish rivers. We were told the current is. very strong. A fine place to sitand eat. The Bread

Picnic: Buy Your Lunch at the Market

by hquittner

One cane eat like a gourmet by lunching al fresco. There are "farmers' markets" all over the Pays on many mornings (just ask around). Dtermine the where and when before setting out. You can buy hundreds of types of cheese, pates, sausage meat, hearty bread, fruits and local wine. Be sure to pack a waiter-type knife and corkscrew in yourtoiletries case for this experience. Snag some paper napkins in advance of this treat or use cleanex. Go to your selected space (or stop at a table along a back road) and have a feast. Country style bread, local wine.

Le Cayola: Luxury on the coast road

by gilljay

This restaurant doesn't immediately jump out at passers by as it has a very discreet entrance -but just take a walk through to the dining rooms and you will see why I love it.The views of the Bay de Cayola from the terrace are to die for.Update - March 2007Rolland Raphael, the chef, has just been awarded his first Michelin Star. Well deserved too!! As th menu changes regularly (about 6 or 7 times a year) it would be a shame to describe a dish and you not be able to try it - but here are my two favourites so far:Pigeon breast rolled around foie-gras, and served with caramellised onions and a delicious sauce.Lobster ravioli served with its hot juices in a small glass. The juice is hot, and has to be poured over the ravioli which then cokks to perfection - DELICIOUS

Le Gambetta: Good food, nice atmosphere

by LostBoyPN

Located near the waterfront in Vannes, Le Gambetta is one of three or four restaurants with outdoor seating and a view of the water. Moreso than the restaurant was the company we were with. Sitting down with our travel buddies and enjoying a French meal was great. In the US, people are always so rushed. Fast food, fast meals and little conversation. In France, people enjoy each other's company. Dinner lasts two hours at least. You have appetizers, the main course, dessert, beer, wine, coffee, cigarettes... and have great conversation. Plus, the French speak softly and quietly. In the US, a place where you have close seating would be tough 'cause of how loud people get after a few drinks. Sitting there, I noticed how quiet it was despite having tons of people. It was like a library with hushed tones... yet it was a beautiful seaside restaurant. I had Pizza L'espagnole which had sausage...

Le Grotte: Dinner at Le Grotte

by jetimblin

We enjoyed a great French meal at this restaraunt located in an underground cellar carved from the rock. One of the more unusual dishes was the Escargot Saucisse. The dish doesnt sound very good when translated to English ("Snail Sausage") but was actually suprisingly good.

Holiday Inn Restaurant: We Dined in Tours

by Goner

Our favorite dinner in Tours was at the Holiday Inn. (We had another great meal at the Grand Cafe Brasserie De L'Unviers). At the Holiday Inn the atmosphere was cool and quiet after a warm day touring. It really liven up after we met some ladies from Texas!. In the Holiday Inn we had a wonderful seafood and fish salad and wonderful wine

Le Cayola: View from the terrace

by gilljay