Auberge Monnet – A Rustic Farewell to the Rhône

For our final meal in the Rhône this trip, we headed to Auberge Monnet, nestled in the old fishing village of La Roche-de-Glun, perched on a small island in the Rhône River. The shaded terrace looked out over the calm waters — the kind of view that makes you linger a little longer, glass in hand, as the light fades.

Our evening began with a visit to the restaurant’s cellar. Lined with bottles from across the region, it was a quiet, cool space where we were invited to take our time and choose a wine for the meal. We picked a local red, earthy and vibrant, perfectly suited to what followed.

The first course was a traditional Ardèche caillette — a warm, rustic pâté made from pork and local greens, wrapped in caul fat. This was my first time having a cailette and I was mindblown. I need more of this in my life. It was served with a fresh green salad and a slice of house-made pâté. Both were deeply flavorful, clearly made in-house, and served without ceremony — just good food on a plate.

The main course was slow-cooked lamb shoulder, braised in its own juices and paired with roasted carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. A sprig of rosemary gave just the right aromatic lift to the dish. The meat was tender and rich, the kind of thing that feels like it’s been cooking all day. As someone that usually likes to start with white or sparkling, this was not a white wine drinking meal. The rustic red wines from this region are a perfect match for this cuisine.

To finish, we were served a plate of local cheeses: a creamy spoonable variety, a soft washed rind, a blue-veined mountain cheese, and a whipped chèvre. Each was expressive and distinct, served simply, without garnish — just as it should be.

Auberge Monnet doesn’t rely on showy technique or modernist touches. It’s a place that understands its region and lets the ingredients speak. Sitting beside the Rhône, watching the current drift past as we finished our wine, it felt like the right way to end our time in the valley — quietly, contentedly, and full.

Auberge Monnet 3 Place du Petit Puits, La Roche-de-Glun (Drôme)