Local restaurants

Any visit to the area around Vayres should include sampling some of the regional specialities which include Bellac Lamb, Limousin beef, local fois gras, Chestnuts, and goat's cheese.

We have sampled many of the restaurants below and we feel sure that you will enjoy the excellent Cuisine that this area has to offer. Some of our preferred choices are:

Nuiel (Charente)(30kms)

Château de Nieuil
This restaurant is a must! A fantastic set menu of 5 courses which includes wine for just 30 euros per head. The Cheese board is exceptional and features a superb selection of local cheeses. Although this restaurant has a set price there is no compromise on food quality.

Highly recommended by a number of friends, family and locals… it is gaining in popularity amongst both the French and non locals and was recently reviewed in the Sunday Times (UK) and features in a forthcoming holiday programme… bookings are advisable! Chefs Luce et Jean-Michel Bodinaud.

Find out more at:
www.chateaunieuilhotel.com
Tél : 05 45 71 36 38 Fax : 05 45 71 46 45
chateaunieuilhotel@wanadoo.fr

Nr Pressignac (10kms)

‘Côte de Boeuf’
The Côte de Boeuf overlooking Lavaud lake is a delightful ‘secret spot’ to try the renowned Limousin beef. Managed by a friendly husband and wife team who create simple steaks grilled over an open fire, and fresh fish dishes… Superb food! Look out for the exceptional goats cheese salads. Good local wine selection. Bookings advisable during summer months. Closes most Monday evenings. Menus start from 13 euros.

at: 16150 Pressignac; tel: 054589 3597

Between St Mathieu and Piegut (15kms)

Le Presbyterian
Locally renowned amongst the hardcore French foodies and one you won’t find in the guidebooks. A restored presbytery offering meat lovers the chance to indulge in the areas famous Limousin beef. This restaurant has been recommended several times by our French neighbours … not for vegetarians!

Chabanais (10kms)

La Croix blanc (The white cross)
A family run child friendly restaurant (within a hotel) offering good value food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent buffet option which is great value and has a wide selection for vegetarians. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner but closes early (9pm). Booking not required, large parties catered for.

Rochechouart (4kms)

Hotel de France

A traditional restaurant set in the stunning Chateaux town of Rochechouart. Good choice of reasonably priced set menus and extensive menu selection. Take an evening stroll around the quiet medieval streets to work off the excess ! Local wines and of course Pineaut - the local aperitif! Menus are priced from: 12 - 35 Euros for adults and start at 9 Euros for children. The hotel recently been refurbished to a high standard but prices have remained the same !

St Auvent (8kms)

The only restaurant in this beautiful village. Owned by the same people as Hotel de France in Rochechouart. Good quality traditional food at reasonable prices. Often closes on Tuesday - check at Le Hotel De France for details.

St Junien (15kms)

St Junien has several international restaurants as well as the more traditional French. There is a very good beef restaurant in the Hotel opposite the market place car park. Easy parking and a pleasant stroll around the pretty town centre during the warm summer evenings makes an enchanting evening.

Definitely worth a visit is “Relais de la Comodoliac”
22 a 26 Avenue Sadi Carnot
87200 St Junien
Tel : 05 55 02 12 25

Nice Hotel restaurant, with a good varied menu - something for everyone. Prices vary between 11€ and 25€, and the food is excellent.

St Mathieu (7kms)

Lakeside dining French style! A casual restaurant offering a superb choice of both vegetarian and meat dishes. Great location and good for families. Also very popular at lunchtimes where you can savour the complete ‘French lunch experience’ (4 courses for 10 Euros!) and sleep or swim it off in the warmth of the afternoon sun at the lakeside.

at: 05 55 48 83 91

Find out more at: www.tourismorama.com/PAGE_INFO/8774_1.htm

Also in St Mathieu is a lively weekly night market where you can purchase local produce and have it cooked on a communal BBQ… a real French experience!

Others

Any worthwhile trip to the Limousin has to include sampling the regions food and wine. The restaurants, bistros and cafes in the area run from the simple cheap and cheerful (but still with great food and ambiance) such as 'Chez-Sylvie' cafe-bar in Peyrat-de-Bellac, and 'Cheval Blanc' and 'Creperie' restaurants in Bellac to the pretty and delicious 'Creperie in Vaulry, the excellent 'Auberge de Quatre Saisons' near Berneuil, the classy 'Le Roman des Saveurs' in historic Montmorillon, "Le Marmite" in medieval Le Dorat and the elegant 'Le Relais' hotel restaurant in nearby Mortemart.

Wines

Although grapes are grown locally it is not a commercial venture. Good wines, a lovely deep red, are drank by the locals from the Cahors region further south.

Of course the wines of the Bordeaux region (Medoc, Graves etc) are just over an hours drive away but don’t forget to try the local aperitif Pineaut. The Cognac region is 45 minutes West towards Angouleme and offers tasting and tours… a very interesting and enjoyable day trip!

The large Supermarche at St Junien has a good selection of well priced wines but for the true French experience try the Cave on the road into Rochechouart. As you pass the garage on your left carry on up the hill for 300 m and the cave is on your left before the small roundabout. There is a also very good cave on the outskirts of Chabanais on the road to St Junien (Tastings available!).

BON APPETIT!