One of the great pleasures of France...
Alongside the joy of cooking together in the Silk Farm's gorgeous kitchens and spending evenings gazing at the view, if you're a foodie, then you will want to sample some of the culinary excellence of this region. Buy a Michelin Red (Restaurant) Guide to France before you go as you will be spoilt for choice in the area. You can eat as casually or as formally as you like; the following are some of our favourite places to eat out, nearby and further afield...
In Rochemaure itself you'll find Restaurant L'Auberge which has a tree-shaded outdoor terrace - lovely for afternoon coffee or ice-creams, but good for lunch and dinner also. If you'd like breakfast on the road, you won't do better than a cafe creme and freshly baked croissant at the boulangerie.
There are many restaurants and bistros in Montelimar - you could stroll along the Boulevard 'des allees' where the tables spill out onto the pavement one after another. But we like to sit outside at Le 45eme bistro and watch the goings-on in the newly landscaped Espace Saint Martin. For the best moules and a lively atmosphere, go to Cafe de la Bourse on Boulevard Meynot. Or, for a quieter atmosphere but to sample a superb steak, head to Le Grillon, just further along the road. La Petite France at the end of lane off rue Raymond Daujat is a bijoux place, hard to find among the narrow streets, but worth the effort. For a classic Croque Monsieur, sit with a beer at La Taverne, soaking up the atmosphere of the market square in the heart of the town.
La Table de Lea, in Villeneuve de Berg is one of our firm favourites - absolutely worth the 30 minute drive into the Ardeche. You won't be rushed - in true French tradition, the table is yours for the evening, and you won't want to leave. Book early to get one of the tables outside, then relax and enjoy. Another short drive from the house, in the village of Saint Marcel les Sauzet, you'll find another delightful outdoor dining experience at Le Prieure. Just south of Montelimar, special visit Le Domaine du Colombier for a very special meal.
For the truly dedicated, Le Restaurant Pic, 40 minutes away in Valence is the destination de choix. One of the world's best chef's (the only woman chef in France to have been awarded 3 Michelin stars), Anne-Sophie Pic tempts customers down from Paris on the TGV for the evening...
In Rochemaure itself you'll find Restaurant L'Auberge which has a tree-shaded outdoor terrace - lovely for afternoon coffee or ice-creams, but good for lunch and dinner also. If you'd like breakfast on the road, you won't do better than a cafe creme and freshly baked croissant at the boulangerie.
There are many restaurants and bistros in Montelimar - you could stroll along the Boulevard 'des allees' where the tables spill out onto the pavement one after another. But we like to sit outside at Le 45eme bistro and watch the goings-on in the newly landscaped Espace Saint Martin. For the best moules and a lively atmosphere, go to Cafe de la Bourse on Boulevard Meynot. Or, for a quieter atmosphere but to sample a superb steak, head to Le Grillon, just further along the road. La Petite France at the end of lane off rue Raymond Daujat is a bijoux place, hard to find among the narrow streets, but worth the effort. For a classic Croque Monsieur, sit with a beer at La Taverne, soaking up the atmosphere of the market square in the heart of the town.
La Table de Lea, in Villeneuve de Berg is one of our firm favourites - absolutely worth the 30 minute drive into the Ardeche. You won't be rushed - in true French tradition, the table is yours for the evening, and you won't want to leave. Book early to get one of the tables outside, then relax and enjoy. Another short drive from the house, in the village of Saint Marcel les Sauzet, you'll find another delightful outdoor dining experience at Le Prieure. Just south of Montelimar, special visit Le Domaine du Colombier for a very special meal.
For the truly dedicated, Le Restaurant Pic, 40 minutes away in Valence is the destination de choix. One of the world's best chef's (the only woman chef in France to have been awarded 3 Michelin stars), Anne-Sophie Pic tempts customers down from Paris on the TGV for the evening...