Au Vieux Moulin, 11190 Cubiers sur Cinoble

A babbling brook, jumping trout waiting to be your lunch, dining tables on the banks of the river, all set in the midst of trees and flowering bushes – what can you imagine to be more idyllic ? This restaurant is on a mountain pass on the road from Duilhac to the Chateau de Peyrepertuse, a wonderful Cathar stronghold, and definitely worth a visit.  The drive takes takes you through the impressive Gorges de Galamus, with a  hermit’s cell down by the river bed, and scenic views at every bend of the road.

The  restaurant sits in the middle of a large garden –   there is a covered dining area and then the tables out on the grass,  which is where my friends and I had lunch. The menu is very simple and is centred around trout from the river served with healthy portions of dauphinois potatoes and a large salad.  The desserts are home-made tarts and the whole is washed down by the local plonk from the Corbieres – and all of this at very reasonable prices.  The menu costs 18 Euros but there are some other dishes available if you are not trout-oriented.

This restaurant is a good find in a very deserted part of the countryside and perfect for a light lunch if you are out for the day walking and sightseeing or just splashing around in the river pools.   There are also camping facilities and trout fishing.and canoeing are available on a daily basis.