A walk around the old town and a wander among the lovely stalls at the Saturday market under a blue sky and almost summer temperatures was just another plus.

Valence is simply a nice French city located along the Rhône River with an excellent, newly awarded, Michelin 3-star restaurant headed by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic.

One of those unforgettable moments was when, without asking, I was invited into the kitchen. Anne-Sophie Pic took the time to shake my hand while I watched her and the staff at work for a few minutes. Memorable, let me tell you.

Later in the evening, Chef Pic came by each table and we had another handshake and a few moments to say thank you to her for a most delightful dinner.

Our Menu - "HIVER DECLARE"

L'AMUSE-BOUCHE

LES COQUILLAGE DES COTES FRANCAISES
EN EMBEURRE D'ALGUES AUX PETITS LEGUMES
CREME PARMENTIERE ALLEGEE, CAVIAR DE HARENG

LA LOTTE DE PETITS BATEAUX
TOURNEDOS AU SESAME/TANDOORI
LENTILLES VERTES AU PUY CREMEUESES AU GINGEMBRE

LE LAPIN REX AU POITOU
MORCEAUX CHOISIS ET ROTIS AU POELON
LEGUMES RACINES FONDANTS
CHOU ROUGE AUX EPICES DOUCES
EMULISION A L'EUCALYPTUS

LES FROMAGES FRAIS ET AFFINES

LE MARRON DE L'ARDECHE ET LE CASSIS
PARFAIT GLACE, CREMEUX AUX MARRONS
MARMELADE ET COULIS CASSIS
SABLE A LA FARINE DE CHATAIGNE

We were celebrating two birthdays and every other event we could think of. Including a cocktail, water, wine and coffee the bill came to 486 euros.

For a very special treat, do book with Maison Pic. It was perfect.