Arbois, Jura
If there had to be just a single reason why I love the little town of Arbois in the Jura (but there are plenty of other reasons), this could be because it's the home of the Bistrot des Claquets, a homy bar-restaurant with an exciting wine list of artisan vintners. Started by Claudie Peseux
years ago, it recently changed hands last june with Rachel Gariglio taking the wheel. Rachel has been an active staff there for years, so we can be confident that the Claquets will remain the familiar and affordable eatery where natural-wine lovers will rest and
resource.
This small story with pictures from my phone will get you a quick impression of the place, but first, beyond its natural-wine list, the food is home made with good ingredients and the price is very affordable, like 14 € for entrée & dish.
Other reasons to love Arbois ? People are easy going and not stressed, the woods and nature begin just at the end of the street, you can literally walk to there (see on this picture above), the streets are family friendly and safe (light years from what major French cities have become over the last few years), the city isn't disfigured by shopping centers in its immediate vicinity (see satellite image) unlike many small French towns, cars aren't considered public enemy #1 (very few anti-parking posts) and the street houses haven't been over-renovated nor sterilized/gentrified (like Beaune), yielding a feel of a real city where people of all means do live...
That's where I enjoy the venue in winter, and you're likely to stumble on a Jura winemaker like it did happen to me. The room is homy and unpretentious, really a local bar for regulars.
there were tourists in town but maybe less than on a normal year, there were a few European visitors though, like this Swedish couple next to our table. We had reserved by calling ahead just to be sure we wouldn't miss the opportunity to eat there. Like most venue nowadays I think they slightly enlarged their terrace to respect the health rules in the closed room inside.
For the entrée there was a buffet, i was surprised we can still find buffets in our paranoid times regarding the heath issues. The terrine was gorgeous, someone in our party asked if it was possible to get twice to the buffet and the lady said no problem. What a treat...
Our favourite place in Arbois (and also La Balance Mets et Vins with Alain)! We never miss them when we are there!
Posted by: István Bencze | September 13, 2020 at 12:55 PM