Le Méjane

Le Méjane in Espalion, founded in 1980 by Philippe and Régine Caralp, is now owned by Lionel Fouisnet and a fellow Maison Bras collaborator. The new team stresses continuity while adding technical skill; Lionel brings long experience as maître d'. The kitchen delivers modern, seasonal plates from fresh ingredients and works closely with small producers in Aveyron and elsewhere in France. The house is noticed in ELLE and Gault & Millau and is selected by Michelin; service is warm and attentive and the team sources all meats and poultry from Aveyron or France while keeping a long list of identified local producers and wine partners. The renovated, air-conditioned dining room retains Méjane's original soul, introducing stone, wood and a touch of blue for a modern, welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is modern and season-driven, built on fresh products and a preference for small, local producers; dishes mix inherited recipes with the chef's creativity. Simon Piefort is chef and one of the new proprietors, trained in both pastry and savory cuisine. Specialties: langoustine ravioli; Mont-Royal pigeon; rösti de pommes de terre (potato rösti); lemon meringue tart; baba au rhum; sweetbreads (ris d'agneau).