Hello, friend! Have you eaten yet? Well, prepare your taste buds for a delightful culinary escapade in the picturesque town of Lourdes, France. Today, I’m thrilled to share my firsthand experience at Auberge Le Cabaliros, a charming restaurant nestled in the idyllic village of Arcizans-Avant. With its rustic charm, breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, and an emphasis on locally sourced cuisine, Auberge Le Cabaliros is the perfect spot for anyone seeking a blend of comfort, elegance, and authentic French flavors.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll wonder if you’ve stepped into a postcard. But is it truly worth visiting? Let’s dive into the details.
Ambiance at Auberge Le Cabaliros – Restaurant
Walking into Auberge Le Cabaliros is like being enveloped in a warm embrace. The moment you step through the door, the combination of traditional architecture and modern touches immediately catches your eye. Wooden beams stretch across the ceilings, stone walls are adorned with quaint artwork, and soft ambient lighting casts a gentle glow, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. It’s cozy enough for a romantic dinner, yet lively enough for a family celebration.
One of the standout features of Auberge Le Cabaliros is undoubtedly the panoramic view of the Pyrenees. Whether you choose to sit indoors near the fireplace or outside on the terrace, the majestic mountains form a natural backdrop that elevates your dining experience. The view isn’t just pretty—it feels like an integral part of the meal, enhancing each bite with a touch of awe-inspiring scenery.
With an ambiance score of 4.5/5, it’s clear that Auberge Le Cabaliros understands the importance of setting the scene for a memorable meal. The design, comfort, and location all contribute to an experience that is as visually satisfying as it is gastronomically fulfilling.
Food at Auberge Le Cabaliros
Now, let’s get to the main event—the food. At Auberge Le Cabaliros, the menu is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Local, fresh ingredients are the stars of each dish, and the chefs masterfully combine tradition with innovation to create a menu that is both comforting and exciting.
During my visit, I sampled several highlights, and each one left an impression—whether for its meticulous preparation, rich flavors, or artful presentation.
Here’s a closer look at the dishes that define Auberge Le Cabaliros:
Pave de veau, sauce aux Morilles
Emincé de magret de canard, sauce girolles
- Pavé de veau, sauce aux Morilles:
- A thick cut of veal, usually rectangular in shape (pavé), served with a sauce made from morel mushrooms (morilles). Veal is known for its tender texture and mild flavor, while the sauce adds richness and earthiness with the distinct taste of morel mushrooms.
- Emincé de magret de canard, sauce girolles:
- Slices of duck breast (magret) that have been thinly sliced and cooked, typically served with a sauce made from girolle mushrooms. Duck breast is prized for its rich flavor and tender texture, while the girolle mushroom sauce adds depth and earthiness to the dish.
Pavé de truite des Pyrénées, sauce à l’ail des ours et risotto au chèvre
Boudin maison, pommes des terre et pommes en l’air
- Pavé de truite des Pyrénées, sauce à l’ail des ours et risotto au chèvre:
- A portion of Pyrenean trout, often in the form of a thick fillet (pavé), served with a sauce flavored with wild garlic (ail des ours) and accompanied by a risotto made with goat cheese. The trout offers a delicate flavor and tender texture, while the sauce and risotto provide complementary savory and creamy elements to the dish.
- Boudin maison, pommes des terre et pommes en l’air:
- Homemade blood sausage (boudin), served with potatoes prepared in a traditional manner and a side of sautéed apple slices. Blood sausage is typically rich and flavorful, while the potatoes and apples provide balance and contrast in texture and taste.
Profiteroles au chocolat, glace vanille
Tarte Fine aux pommes, glace vanille et armagnac
- Profiteroles au chocolat, glace vanille:
- Small choux pastry balls filled with cream or ice cream, typically served with a chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Profiteroles offer a delightful combination of crisp pastry, creamy filling, and rich chocolate sauce, with the vanilla ice cream adding a cool and refreshing element.
- Tarte Fine aux pommes, glace vanille et armagnac:
- A thin apple tart with a flaky pastry base, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of Armagnac, a type of French brandy. The tartness of the apples contrasts with the sweetness of the pastry and ice cream, while the Armagnac adds a subtle boozy note to the dessert.
Service
If the food sets the stage, the service at Auberge Le Cabaliros steals the show. From the moment you are greeted at the entrance to the final sip of your espresso, the staff exudes warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
Servers are attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and eager to offer suggestions or accommodate dietary preferences. The attention to detail is evident—from wine pairing recommendations to the timing of each course. You feel like a valued guest in a friend’s home, not just a diner at a restaurant.
Service at Auberge Le Cabaliros scores 4.5/5, and it’s easy to see why: the team elevates the dining experience with their expertise, friendliness, and attentive care.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Reserve in advance – Popular and intimate, Auberge Le Cabaliros fills up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Request a window or terrace seat – To fully appreciate the panoramic views of the Pyrenees, opt for seating that maximizes the scenery.
- Try the local wines – The region produces excellent wines, and the staff at Auberge Le Cabaliros will guide you to pairings that enhance your meal.
- Come hungry – Portions are generous and the menu is tempting; pace yourself to enjoy multiple courses.
- Dress comfortably but stylishly – The ambiance is upscale-casual; you’ll want to feel at ease yet elegant in the setting.
Location, Accessibility, and Parking
Located in Arcizans-Avant, a quaint village near Lourdes, Auberge Le Cabaliros is easily accessible by car. If you’re coming from Lourdes itself, the drive offers scenic mountain views that set the tone for your visit.
For those traveling by car, ample parking is available on-site, making it convenient for both local diners and visitors exploring the region. Accessibility is well-thought-out, with safe walkways and a welcoming entrance. Public transportation is limited, so having a car is recommended to fully enjoy the journey to this charming culinary retreat.
Final Verdict
So, is Auberge Le Cabaliros worth a visit? Absolutely. From the cozy, rustic charm of its ambiance to the flavorful, locally inspired dishes and exceptional service, this restaurant captures the essence of French gastronomy in a way that feels both intimate and refined.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic date, or simply looking for an authentic taste of the Pyrenees, Auberge Le Cabaliros delivers an experience that delights every sense. The combination of quality, consistency, and attention to detail makes it a must-visit destination in Lourdes and the surrounding area.
Final Rating Breakdown
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ambiance | 4.5/5 |
| Food | 4.5/5 |
| Service | 4.5/5 |
| Price | 4.5/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 |
Summary
Auberge Le Cabaliros is more than just a restaurant—it’s a foodie adventure. Every detail, from the mountain views and rustic decor to the expertly crafted dishes and impeccable service, works in harmony to create a memorable dining experience.
With standout dishes like the Pavé de veau sauce aux morilles, Emincé de magret de canard, and Tarte Fine aux pommes, alongside helpful pro tips for first-time visitors, this restaurant offers both charm and substance. Its location near Lourdes and convenient parking make it easily accessible, while its warm, welcoming staff ensures every visit feels special.
For those seeking a refined, authentic French meal in a picturesque setting, Auberge Le Cabaliros comes highly recommended. Trust me—once you dine here, it’s likely you’ll be planning your next visit before dessert is even finished. Bon appétit!
Rating
AUBERGE LE CABALIROS – RESTAURANT
CUISINE: French, European
ADDRESS: 16 rue de l Eglise, 65400 Arcizans-Avant France
HOURS: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Tuesday – Saturday)
CONTACT NO.: +33562970431
WEBSITE: Auberge Le Cabaliros – Restaurant
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard)
LANGUAGE: French, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Lunch, Dinner)
BUDGET: 20 USD to 50 USD (per person)
OTHERS: Parking Available, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Validated Parking, Free off-street parking, Serves Alcohol, Highchairs Available, Full Bar
DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.
