Dinner at Auberge de l’Abbaye was an absolute joy. Nestled in the sleepy monastic village of Signy-l’Abbaye in Champagne-Ardenne, the former Post Office has been run by the same family for seven generations and oozes character and charm.
There’s a big emphasis on organic produce with superb Blonde d’Aquitaine beef and Texel lamb reared on their own farm complimented by Ardennes reared pork and vegetables fresh from their organic gardens.
Menus start from around €13, but we plumped for the Farmers Menu (€22) which offered some local specialities. I chose a deliciously pungent Maroilles cheese on hot toast flavoured with beetroot vinaigrette, whilst my companions went for the tender beef carpaccio. Two of us tucked into a boozy Winemakers Beef Fondue and our companion insisted we taste her excellent Texel lamb with sage. Both were beautifully flavoured and quite delicious.
With no room for the list of home-made puddings, sorbets and ice creams, we rounded off with good coffee, but noted the local family next to us scraping clean their crème brulées and a wonderful chocolate & ice-cream creation.
There are 16 simple but comfortable rooms if you decide to make the most of a good ‘bio’ wine list (no nasty tannins = no nasty hangover!). We made the most of a ‘three for two nights’ offer. Excellent value and we’ll definitely return!
2, Place Aristide Briand, 08460 SIGNY-L’ABBAYE. Tel: 00 33 (0)3 24 52 81 27. Visit www.auberge-deabbaye.com
C.H.