Auberge La Cascade - Clisson

Enjoyed our starters and desserts, unfortunately made an error in ordering the main course which was a little disappointing. Staff were friendly and the setting was good as we could go along to the river to enjoy our coffees. Would definitely go again.

We were few days away in France and constantly heading north (to the ferry from Ouistreham back to Portsmouth). This was following a visit to our twin Rotary Club based in the French commune of Melle, in south west France, to help their Members celebrate their 50th anniversary of being chartered as a Rotary Club. We had dined-in at our hotel on the fist night here in Clisson and research early on the second day did not offer a huge number of alternatives. Many of the restaurants that we would have liked to visit were closed as it was midweek. We were recommended to this restaurant by the tourist information office in the upper part of Clisson town. It was a walk of probably 15 minutes to this restaurant which is on ‘La Sèvre Nantaise’ river. To get there from our hotel you first must climb up to the top northbound road (Rue du Dr Boutin) and then descend to the same river (it’s a real pity there is no riverside path to follow). The tourist information staff had made a reservation for us and on arrival we joined a slow-moving queue at the entrance. Fortunately for us a member of the bar staff spotted us; as we didn't look like average bar customers. We were quickly shown upstairs to a large dining area. A few early diners were already sat at tables and by the time our food was served there wasn’t any tables free. We ordered the same local Muscadet Sur Lee as we had enjoyed at our hotel and studied the menu. To be honest the menu offered little that we liked. It was too ‘French’ for us: barely cured white fish, escargot, pigs trotters and the like. This is just not to our taste and although to the French it is ‘usual’ it is not often liked by British folk. My starter of cured white fish made me gag and I was only able to eat some of it with a mouthful of the bread. My Partner’s foie gras ravioli was edible, but the thought of eating the accompanying escargot made her retch. My main was frankly worth about a quarter of its cost: the lamb cutlet yielded about an inch cube of meat the rest was in with the fat and barely worth the effort to get to it. My Partner’s main of the rabbit was probably the plate that was the most suited to British tastes and was enjoyed. All main plates lacked enough vegetables. Desserts were taken and were not too bad but I am afraid by then our disappointment had overtaken any enjoyment, and I cannot recall what we had: a memory best forgotten. We did our best to enjoy our food but unless you really, really like French cuisine then stay away. I am sorry to write this but I have to be honest for the benefit of other tourists than might fall into what is a bit of a trap.

Marie-Reine, my Airbnb host recommended this restaurant as I was struggling with time in the evening due to late arrival. Just on the river near Clisson centre either outside or in for eating, this little auberge is worth a try. The service is perfect (I never new I could write this in France) and the food is intriguing. Râble de lapin stuffed with fois gras coulis of strawberries and a couple of strawberries sitting on a bed of sliced raw fennel, makes your brain working. Followed by the day suggestion as main course, a supreme of chicken on a mush of parsnips and braised parsnip sitting on a sauce made of cocoa amongst other things. An absolute delight for senses. Highly recommend.

Very pleasant setting on the river and under the trees. very attentive service. We took the menu of the market that perfectly bears its name. seasonal cuisine, fresh, unpretentious and tasty products. beautiful address especially in beautiful days.

Good restaurant with an exceptional setting. fish and financial mint with very refined strawberries. good value quality price and good service thanks