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“Everything ends the same way in France - Everything. Weddings, Christenings, Duels, Burials, Swindlings, Diplomatic affairs – everything is a pretext for a good dinner.” Jean Anouilh |
Gascony is renowned for the quality of its food and you’ll find most restaurants featuring local, in-season produce with distinctive flair and abundance. A gourmet meal can run to a staggering six courses and it is not unusual to find a four course meal (including wine), for between 10 and 12 euro!
To get really involved in the spirit of the area, nothing can beat the village events with their food and wine (of course!). Such events are numerous, particularly in summer and you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the locals. Enjoy a long and leisurely meal al fresco, accompanied by the sounds of local bands, with of course lots of children running about.
Restaurants we recommend in the surrounding area:
Bassoues: An amazing venue – and well worth the drive. Outside dining in the shade of the mediaeval covered market hall with oodles of atmosphere. Super, traditional Gascon fare with seasonal and local produce from the market that day. You can go à la carte if you wish but the menu of the day is highly recommended. This varies but is always - soup, cold starter, choice of main course, desert (fruit or ice cream/sorbet). Bread and wine are included in the price – 11 euro…an absolute bargain!
Plaisance: Coco Pizza, which is an excellent pizzeria, even open Sunday evenings, with a cheerful and laid back service. Also does a take-away option.
Also at Plaisance: Ripa Alta, where you can eat in the basic bar with the locals or in the more up market restaurant, which is the ideal place for a special meal. Cosy and intimate, there is a choice of menus of traditional Gers cooking - with a twist.
Madiran: La Prieure, which is set in a renovated, stone and river cobble faced priory this restaurant has a lovely terrace overlooking the park for outdoor dining. Indoors, the dining room is elegant and spacious and offers a choice of menus with local Madiran wines prominently featured.
Auberge de la Colline, once an old staging inn, this has wooden ceilings and a cosy atmosphere. The food is generous and wholesome – let out the belt a few notches if you choose to dine here. As always, a choice of menus.
There are many more restaurants we can recommend - having eaten our way round most of Gascony – and for lunch – pretty well anywhere! If it’s full…..it’s good. Just follow the locals!!!
