La Coulemelle

Top choice in Auvergne


Renowned French chef Régis Marcon has a glittering trio of Michelin stars and he masterminds a clutch of restaurants in St-Bonnet-le-Froid. An affordable gastronomic experience can be enjoyed at this bistro, where earthy flavours (like the mushroom of the bistro's name) come to the fore.

Expect indulgent takes on French bistro classics, like pork cheek in red wine and roasted rabbit, always with vegetarian choices like tartare of Le Puy lentils and cauliflower felafel.

The bistro, along with other dining options in town, closes from January to mid-February, and advance reservations – accepted up to six months in advance – are essential.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Auvergne attractions

1. Lieu de Mémoire

8.71 MILES

Through evocative displays and audiovisual presentations, this museum paints a vivid picture of an extraordinarily resilient wartime community. Residents…

2. Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat

16.23 MILES

In the mood for a rural escape? Make a beeline for the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat, which spills across 650 sq km between Lyon and St-Étienne. A haven…

3. Musée d'Art e d'Industrie

20.12 MILES

Set in a palatial 19th-century building, this museum showcases St-Étienne's three big industries back in the day, namely bicycles, ribbons and guns!…

4. Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

20.62 MILES

Death by chocolate! On the main road in Tain l'Hermitage, the Cité du Chocolat is a chocoholic's dream come true. This vast complex run by famous…

5. Musée de la Mine

20.68 MILES

An old industrial mining site that was once the lifeblood of St-Étienne has been transformed into a fascinating exhibition complex. On a 75-minute guided…

6. Cité du Design

21.41 MILES

Find out about the Biennale Internationale Design fair and browse diverse, regularly changing exhibitions at the Cité du Design, in a gleaming glass-and…

7. Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain

22.8 MILES

The country’s second-largest Art Moderne museum after Paris’ Centre Pompidou, this museum features an exceptional collection of 20th-century and…

8. La Distillerie de la Verveine du Velay

23.93 MILES

See how Le Puy's green fairy gets her magic on a 45-minute guided tour of the verveine liqueur distillery in St-Germain Laprade. From Le Puy, drive east…