After living in France for about ten years, my family and I have become pretty French. Last Sunday we had lunch “en famille” like so many French families tend to do. In Valras-Plage is a lovely restaurant between all the tourist traps: L’Auberge Provençale. Some years ago, we accidentally found this restaurant, and we have been going back ever since.
Sangria Blanche
As the weather was beautiful, we first went to the beach to air the kids out, followed by a lunch at L’Auberge Provençale. The welcome was happy and stress-free, as usual, which always surprises me slightly at a touristy place like Valras-Plage. Before ordering our food, Chéri and I ask for a “Sangria Blanche”. This aperitif is always a very festive way to start our lunch, as this white sangria comes in a huge barrel kind of mug. We don’t even bother looking at the menu anymore, as we knew what to order: the good-value, three-course “Menu Provençal” for 16,90 euros.
Dreaming
The food at L’Auberge Provençale is homemade and fresh. While the children enjoyed their mussels from the kids’ menu, Chéri and I had our starters. Chéri chose the selection of all kinds of tapas, and I ordered the delicious gratinated mussels. As Chéri had been dreaming of a proper steak all week, his choice for his main course was easy. Whilst I was served some always beautiful chipirones (small squids) and chorizo. We both also had freshly grilled vegetables of the season, together with a tasteful aioli and creamy veggie mash.
Joyful
The desserts of L’Auberge Provençale are worth keeping some space in your tummies for. So that’s what we did. The kids got an ice-cream with their menu, while Chéri had a good old Dame Blanche and I chose the grilled pineapple. The desserts were served with whipped cream, ice cream, biscuits and sugar decoration, which completed our joyful lunch. L’Auberge Provençale is the perfect family-friendly restaurant to enjoy a simple, homemade meal in. Even after all these years, we love to come back here!
