Eating Out

These restaurants are listed by the proximity to La Serre and none are more than a 30 minute drive away. Remember that even top quality restaurants will have prix fixe menus, which although limited in range offer excellent value. Always phone for opening times.

Auberge du Poids Public

Perched on the top of a serious hill with spectacular views from the dining room. "Wonderful classic cuisine" according to the Michelin Guide (1 star). Rough Guide says the restaurant is "widely praised for it's gastronomic creations based on regional themes - try the rabbit and pigeon dishes." Silver service but not particularly formal.

St. Felix Lauragais - 05 62 18 85 00 - on the D622 heading towards Toulouse, turn off right towards the village centre to park.

Le Relais de Riquet

Pretty basic but cheap and friendly. The main attraction is the location right by the Canal du Midi and there are invariably a handful of boats tied up there.

12 esplanade du Canal, Port du Segala 04 68 60 16 87 - Head towards Castelnaudary on N113 turn right following signs for La Segala just before you get to Labastide D'Anjou.

L'Escarbille

Big family restaurant with terrific steaks. Extensive menu and good value. Very friendly service.

On N113 just past Montgiscard. On a hill on the left heading towards Toulouse - 05 61 81 90 52

La Table des Merville

We haven't been since a recent change of ownership but this was a definite favourite of ours and usually very busy. Reports back are still very positive.

3 place Richard, Castanet Tolosan, 05 62 71 24 25 - Turn left at the lights in the centre of the village heading towards Toulouse on N113.

Le Tirou

In an unprepossessing part of town but a great atmosphere and excellent food. "Up to the minute dining room... traditional dishes and an unforgettable cassoulet!" according to the Michelin Guide. Awarded 1 star. Rough Guide says, "has a pleasant garden and excellent terroir carte.".

90 av Mgr de Lange, Castelnaudry, 04 68 94 15 95, tirou@ataras-le.fr

East end of town heading back towards N113 on right before you get to Geant Supermarket.

La Belle Epoque

Dependable rather than a memorable experience. Rough Guide describes it as, "A great place to taste the famous cassoulet" but there's a more extensive menu than the usual terroir.

55 Rue General Dejean, Castelnaudary, 04 68 23 39 72.

Close to centre of town and signed off the main road.

Hostellerie du Chateau de la Pomerede

Situated in the courtyard of a restored 11th Century castle. Michelin says, "dining room has character and food served is in keeping with current trends." Pricey but spectacular location with quality food & service.

La Pomerede, 04 68 60 49 49

Just West of D624 between Castelnaudary and Revel on D302.

Yankee Grill

Not really what you come to France for but hey it's usually open when nowhere else is and if you (or the kids) are tired of cassoulet, carnard and foi gras then the steaks'n'ribs may suit. The food & service are really very good.

North end of town centre on D622 towards Castres on the right hand side of the road.

Michelin recommendations

'Clos St-Siméon', 'Centre et Laurangais', 'Tirou', and 'Lauragais' in Castelnaudary, 'Auberge des Mazies' and 'Midi' in Revel, 'Hôtellerie du Lac' in Saint-Ferréol, 'Auberge du Poids Public' in St. Felix Lauragais, 'Hostellerie du Château de la Pomarède' in La Pomarède.

Our guest book lists many other tried and tested restaurants - and ones to avoid!

For further infomation you might try the Rough Guides books.