Most of Blois' traditional restaurants can be found on or around rue Saint Lubin, between the Château and the river. La Garbure, 36 rue St-Lubin (tel 02.54.74.32.89; closed Thurs & Sat lunch, & Wed), serves specialities from the Périgord and Gascogne regions for around €15, but it's rather touristy. Next door, across the side-street that both use for a few outside tables, the similarly priced Le Castelet (tel 02.54.74.66.09; closed Wed & Sun) specializes in homely Loire cuisine, using regional produce such as Sologne honey and andouilles from Vouvray. A little further along the same street, Les Banquettes Rouges, 16 rue des Trois Marchands (tel 02.54.78.74.92; closed Sun & Mon), serves modern French, Mediterranean-influenced food in a pretty lemon-yellow dining room, with menus at €18.50 and €24.50. The best gastronomic experience in town is unquestionably Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs, 27 rue Foix (tel 02.54.74.67.48; closed Sun & Mon lunch, and 3 weeks in Aug), with elaborate fish dishes on the eight-course, €64 menu découverte.The small square at the end of rue Vauvert, on the east side of town, has a number of crêperies and pizzerias with tables set out under the trees. Immediately below, rue de la Foulérie is the best place for ethnic food – Portuguese, Moroccan and Indian – and for late-night bars as well.
| 