Montelimar & Ardeche France

[chefgav]

Can anyone suggest foodie things to do and visit in the area and also restaurants in these areas for lunch. I am after foodie/ slash wine ideas.

Also are there any lavender farms in the Ardeche region on the way to Le Puy en Velay?

Cheers

Gavin

[chefgav]

Do you know where is best to go for the Nougat is there a specific shop?

Also I looked at a few images on google and it came up with some amazing looking lavender fields?

Gavin

[mangeur]

Here you go: http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/pr...

While we have never been this this festival, we did attend the lavender fete in Ferrassierres some 10 years ago. If that is any comparison, it is a worthwhile afternoon. Food? Lavender ice cream, sorbets, candy and -ade.

[ChefJune]

I've never been to Montelimar, but it is famous for the nougats produced there.

[Jay F]

"Cream tangerine and montelimar,
A ginger sling with a pineapple heart,
A coffee dessert, yes you know it's good news,
But you'll have to have them all pulled out after the savoy truffle."

"Savoy Truffle" - the Beatles, 1968

[Parigi]

Montélimar itself is a town one drives through, not really a base.
Besides Hotel Faurie in St. Agreve which I have already recommended to you in another thread...
the restaurant of hotel du Levant in Meyras. Very classic and good, and very reasonably priced. The maître d is a performance artist.

Last September we drove from Ardèche to Le Puy en Velay, did not notice any lavender. But lavender has a very short season, from late June to mid July usually, which may be why I did not see a single flower.

Do not forget to report back. Cheers.