The city where Michelin is headquartered prompts an uncomprehending Pourquoi? from any Frenchman or woman who learns that you plan to spend some time there. It is not distinguished in any way, although its Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption (we did not visit) reputedly has stained-glass windows of the same origin as those in Paris’s magnificent Ste-Chapelle.
We used the town as a stop-over during two long drives to places further south. On our first stop-over, we thoughtlessly decided to explore the town on Sunday evening and found the town center utterly deserted and shuttered over. On the second occasion, we drove up to the hotel, had dinner at a nearby restaurant, and left early next morning without as much as a glance around.
Places to Eat
Le Serin ♥, on Avenue Albert-Elisabeth, not far from the main train station, is a very pleasant small eatery. Most of the patrons look like they are locals. The menu is not very extensive and stresses regional cuisine. We all had a very nice steak with ratatouille for the main course, preceded by various appetizers. Unhurried but friendly service, with a little bit of English spoken. Prix-fixe menu: €18.50. Our overall damage, which includes various drinks: €82 for a party of four. Last visit: Summer 2008.