New Culinary Ventures Breathe Life into French Towns
Across France, seasoned hospitality professionals are taking the leap, opening their own establishments and revitalising local dining scenes. From traditional fare in Brittany to scenic dining on the Loire, two new restaurants are making waves, each launched by couples with a passion for the industry.
A Taste of Tradition in Côtes-d’Armor
A new restaurant championing traditional French gastronomy has opened its doors in Uzel, near Loudéac, breathing new life into a site that has been dormant for nearly three years.
On the evening of Friday, 22 August 2025, Erwan Riou and his wife, Margot, proudly launched their new venture, “La table d’Appoline”. The restaurant is located at 10 rue de la Gare, the former site of “l’Auberge de l’Oust”.
The couple are hardly newcomers to the scene, having spent many years honing their skills in major establishments. As locals to the area, setting up their own place in Uzel, where they now live, was a natural fit.
In the kitchen, Erwan is focused on what he describes as “traditional” cooking. “I love to cook the food that I enjoy eating!” he says. “It’s a charcuterie-style cuisine; I love making terrines, pâtés en croûte, and plenty of other recipes that are embedded in our culinary traditions.”
Meanwhile, Margot is the face of the restaurant, managing the service and welcoming guests. As Erwan puts it, “she brings her feminine touch to the restaurant.”
Riverside Views and a Fresh Start on the Loire
Further south in Saint-Herblain, a stunning new venue named “Bécassine” is now offering magical views over the Loire River and its surrounding marshes.
The project is the brainchild of Jérôme Gaborieau, 48, and Cécile Bigot, 44, who have transformed the former L’Estacade restaurant. The new name is a nod to the long-beaked Bécassine bird, or snipe, known to travel up the estuary.
The pair share a long professional history, having worked together for eight years. Jérôme was the operational director for a group including Les Pieds dans le plat and Le fou du Roy, where Cécile was also a director. After a string of successful years, including a record-breaking run in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause. It was during this time they decided it was time to go out on their own, though they didn’t yet know their future would be a riverside restaurant named after a local bird.
