Le Relais d’Antan

By the Loir river (dining al fresco along the river in the summer months is romantic as well as a joy for the palate!), in the most picturesque village of Lavardin, this little restaurant is a true gastronomic delight, at affordable prices. The owner and chef, Paul Van Gessel, began his career with Charles Barrier in Tours, a 3 star guide Michelin where he was rewarded with the Taittinger prize in 1976 for his "lobster turban" before directing the kitchens of the Petit Nice in Marseille where he was rewarded with 2 Michelin stars. His career then led him to the Champs Elysées in Paris at the restaurant de la Couronne of the Warwick Hotel where he obtained and kept a Michelin star for 14 years. Ten years ago, he married Isabelle, from the Loir Valley, and bought the Relais d'Antan in Lavardin which they manage jointly. Paul Van Gessel is the author of the books "Natural cuisine" and "Anti-stress cuisine"