Auberge La Castagno

The restaurant is very good, and the place feels cosy and romantic. The rooms didn’t impress me as much.

The Wi-Fi never worked, even though the owner tried hard to sort it out. Otherwise, I’d recommend it. We were welcomed warmly, and the seasonal food was excellent: chicken with porcini mushrooms and a salad with raw porcini, among other things.

The server was calm and unhurried, which was lovely while we were on holiday. The chef came out to meet guests with a smile that rubbed off on everyone. My five-year-old got a special menu and licked her fingers clean, and her meal was presented just like the grown-ups’ dishes. There was so much care and poetry on the plate. A perfect place to stop for a meal, and we’ll remember it fondly. Hats off, it’s a must-visit.

We picked a room with its own bathroom. It was roomy, bright, and had high ceilings, and though it was simple, it was clean and pleasant. There are other room types with or without private bathrooms. Breakfast was delicious, with bread, cheese, and croissants, and the value for money was excellent throughout. The host and chef gave us a very warm welcome, and there were tasty vegetarian options alongside dishes featuring regional products. You can hear the Volane River rushing by and look out at the mountains, which makes the setting lovely on its own. It’s a good stop for the food and for visiting Antraigues-sur-Volane, a charming village with character, or you can find a place farther along the river to cool off.