CHAPTER 5 - Food and Drink

You'll find all the accoutrements in The Writer's Retreat's well-equipped kitchen to make yourselves a gourmet dish. There are pots and pans galore, and there's always something in the pantry to rustle up a quick meal with. And you won't need to worry about basics like salt, pepper, spices, pasta, sugar, olive oil, and all of that - it's all there for you to help yourself. But if you do realise you've forgotten something, it's only 30 seconds to get round to the fabulous Vival supermarket that's open until 7.30pm. Except on Sundays and Mondays, unless it's July or August! Ah, the French way - c'est la vie! And remember there's always the vegetable vending machine at the end of the street - open 24/7.But when you're on holiday, you might not want to do much cooking - so you may like to try out the local eateries - all within easy walking distances. You'll be spoilt for choice. As well as the Thè & Co that offers an excellent home-made dish of the day, only three doors up from The Writer's Retreat, there are a number of other bar-restaurants to choose from - the furthest one being only five minutes' away. You are welcome in all of them to simply have a drink only, especially at La Rencontre, which is a bar as much as being a restaurant.Let's go on a journey around the village, taking a look at each establishment. Go out the front door, turn right and see the aforementioned Thé & Co. Then walk back down to the Casquette et Chapeau (Cap and Hat) where you will be served royally. Sit outside or indoors for just a drink or a three-course meal, prepared in front of your eyes. Don't forget to write some graffiti in the loo - it's encouraged! Moving on down the central street, you'll come by another restaurant that will be new for 2024, appropriately named Chapters. Roísín (front of house) and Sebastien (chef) will conjure up some magic for you. Just past their place, you'll come to Pizzaria Mallast with it's beautiful terrace. If you like pizza, look no further. It's superb - and their salads are equally wonderful. Front-of-house Lindsay will welcome you. John does the cooking. 

Of course you're thirsty - so you're probably trying out a glass of Corbières or 'pression' beer (draft) at each place. Proceed down to La Rencontre. Sit outside in the warm weather. It's a good value bar and restaurant, sometimes with music outside, and with a TV screen inside if you're following the rugby.And if you insist on going for the whole tour - continue walking down until you reach L'Apostrophe. It's perhaps the most photogenic and atmospheric places we know of. They also often put on live music and dancing events throughout the summer - look out for local posters for up-to-date information.
Well, thanks for joining us on our little tour. We hope you've enjoyed it. Now, if you can just manage to stagger back up the hill to the The Writer's Retreat, we wish you a very good night, and we look forward to telling you about swimming and sun-bathing in the morning. See us at CHAPTER 6.