There is no shortage of cafés, restaurants and bars in Quillan!

Le Palace

Le Palace is a wonderful place for lunch outside on the sunny terrace, or for just quietly watching the world go by whilst sipping a cold glass of something delicious any time of the day or evening. Le Palace is a family affair, run by Michel and his mother Cecile, whilst Michel’s sister and her husband deliver tasty snacks and meals – their salads are particularly good. Meals are served every single lunchtime throughout the year, and in the evening too in July and August. Best of all is the fact that it is less than thirty metres away and the terrace overlooks the square, the river and the chateau, so it comes with great views too!

Café du Fleuve

You’ll find Café du Fleuve on the opposite side of the square from the house. Mike and Vincent specialise in Breton galettes (a deep fried savoury pancake from Brittany), but the rest of the menu is good too. They have tables outside throughout the year, which are almost always in use, as they are perfectly placed to catch the afternoon sun in the winter (and they’ll shade you from it in summer!). If you want somewhere to relax with a drink in the evening this is lovely. There’s a nice ambience and the outside tables are sometimes lit with candles. They stock some wonderful wines local to Quillan which change regularly, so if the fancy takes you why not ask them what they recommend that evening. The café is usually closed on Sundays and Mondays.

La Galerie

La Galerie is just under a five-minute walk from the house, close to Pont Suzanne, the third bridge in Quillan, on the Boulevard Jean Bourrel, and is a family run pizzeria and à-la-carte restaurant. Recently refurbished, it has a lovely relaxing feel inside with minimalist decor and muted colours. There is also a lovely little terrace in front under the plane trees. Jean Marc is the chef and service is led by Patrick and his wife who will give you a very warm welcome. The pizzas are thin crust and beautifully crisp with plentiful toppings ranging from the usual to the more exotic, such as foie gras. The à-la-carte menu offers a superb dining experience with a wide selection of plentiful offerings ranging from the traditional moules frites (mussels and chips) to smoked duck breast on a bed of artichoke.

La Chaumiere

The restaurant at La Chaumiere, a Logis hotel on the Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, opposite the gymnasium and swimming pool, provides a smart, traditional restaurant with Vietnamese as well as the expected French food on their menu. The ‘Terroir’ menu is good value for money. Try their ‘Delice du Canard’ with foie gras and fig chutney – wow! Although not displayed on the wine menu, you can ask for a carafe of house wine if you want to keep the price down a little.

Les Platanes

Les Platanes is a nice little restaurant with indoor and outdoor eating at the other end of the Grand Rue from Chateau View. The restaurant specialises in pizza and brochettes (long skewers of meat or seafood), but also does steaks and other dishes. Their TexMex pizza is delicious. Patrice is your waiter and will guide you through the menu, and the restaurant has a warm family atmosphere.

Bar Glacier

The Bar Glacier is across the square. It’s themed on a sports bar and has wide-screen television showing football and rugby. It’s popular with the rugby players but not too noisy or rowdy. Run by Titou and Bibi, you’ll find a good selection of spirits and lagers. If sports television isn’t appealing you can sit outside on the square and soak in the atmosphere. Occassionally they have live music.