Nestled at the foot of a magnificent synclinal is the environmentally friendly, bobo village of Saoû. The place owes a lot to its crazy bard, Thierry Chalancon, who’s been running this whimsical inn since 1993, which has a terrace with a fountain, épicerie décor (a Berkel slicer, rows of canned goods, hanging chilies and onions) and rather cheeky menus. For us, the day we went for lunch: a plump zucchini flan coaxed by juicy crushed tomatoes; a stew that’ll bring a tear to your eye, flavored with thyme and served with zucchini and potatoes; before a honey parfait sprinkled with crushed hazelnuts. Other options available à la carte: a tasty fish soup with Turkish spices, steak wrapped in lardo di Colonnata, etc. // R.deC.
FEELING THIRSTY? There are a few Rhone wines to choose from: a Syrah from Jean-Luc Colombo (€5 a glass), a biodynamic Cairanne red from the Domaine Amadieu (€29.50 a bottle), a Crozes-Hermitage white from the Cave des Clairmonts (€27.50), an organic Blanc de Garance from Trintignant et Cortellin (€22).
PRICE: Set menu €16.50 to €22 (weekday lunch), menu €21-30, à la carte €38-48.
