France is about more than just fine dining, the French also really appreciate simple, honest food. L’Auberge Vigneronne in the hamlet of La Bosque near Saint-Chinian proves that it doesn’t have to be fancy and frilly. Here, you will get chicken or duck from the spit and meat from the grill, served with no-fuss salads and vegetables. And you can be sure that the animals are free-range, as the Clapier family, who runs this restaurant, also has a farm next door where the poultry can run free.
La Bosque
From our holiday home in Le Priou, you can walk to a unique restaurant run by the same family since 2008. It started with Sylvie and Claude Clapier, and since 2020, their children Mélanie and Jéremy have joined them. And every time we come here, we feel transported back in time. First, you’ll have to find L’Auberge Vigneronne, which is quite far from the beaten track in a small hamlet called La Bosque (not Le Bosc, near the Lac du Salagou). And once you’ve managed to find a spot in the parking lot (if you’re not arriving by foot), you’ll walk past the open fire with the roast of the day lined up.
Down-to-earth
The family and I love going during the autumn or winter when the country-style decorations and the warmth of the big fireplace embrace us. You will mainly see big tables, as many families and groups of friends come here to eat. However, on a fine day, there’s something to say for the terrace with a view of the peaceful landscape as well. L’Auberge Vigneronne is only open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. A reservation is a must. And you can only pay in cash. The menu is equally down-to-earth, offering a four-course menu (25 euros) or a five-course one (30 euros). The wines mostly come from the Saint-Chinian appellation, which is not surprising when you see the endless vineyard on your way to La Bosque.
Traditionally good
Our latest lunch at L’Auberge Vigneronne was no different from all the others. But that’s part of the charm; you know you will get traditionally good food. We all went for the four-course menu, starting with various salads and a charcuterie platter. Chérie and the brood went for the grilled poultry, which was duck, and vegetables from their garden. I tried the scallops in a creamy mushroom sauce. The homemade cheese platter from the family farm goat’s milk only appealed to me. Being a great cheese lover, I took my time while the others waited impatiently until I was finished. Finally, it was dessert time. No choice here, only one option of four small portions of sweet treats. But it suited us perfectly. A home-brewed digestif on the house concluded the meal for Chéri and me. As always, it was a lovely old-fashioned family lunch!
