The renowned gourmet Languedoc restaurant of Auberge de La Croisade is situated by the side of the Canal du Midi in the small hamlet of La Croisade. The Auberge offers a very good value leisurely lunch menu and the setting is top class with views across the valley of the Aude to the Pyrenees. The menu is surprisingly well priced and uses only fresh local produce. The wine list features many local wines from the Corbières, St Chinian and the Minervois. The head chef was trained at the Hôtel Crillon in Paris and at the Dorchester and Claridges in London. The Auberge is located in a converted Canal workers' building and was opened in 1993. You can either sit in the beautifully restored dining room or in the conservatory, overlooking the Canal. Druing the summer there is a shady terrace with fantastic views. La Croisade is a small village situated between the villages of Cruzy and Ouveillan.

Auberge La Croissade restaurant, South France [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/smokin_jakes/]

Auberge de La Croisade is located 17 km north of Narbonne, 23 km west of Béziers and 50 km east of Carcassonne. It is situated ninety minutes by boat along the Canal du Midi from Capestang or Le Somail, and can be reached on foot or by bicycle along the towpath from Capestang or Argellersd. The Auberge is open all year, apart from ten days in late November and three weeks in February. The restaurant is very popular with locals and you are advised to book in advance. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday inclusive and closed ou Tuesdays.