Le Feu de Bois - Champniers

I regret making this our last dinner after 2 fantastic weeks in France, Spain and Portugal. My wife and I chose the 14.70 Euro buffet which consisted of a few types of cold meat, cooked shrimp, snails and various vegetables. Nothing was served hot. The dessert selection was better, with a number of cakes, tarts, flans and puddings. One drink was served immediately, the other after we finished eating. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone.

We were hungry and looking for a place to eat. We'd been into two tiny French towns and I swear, nobody was about nor could we find a restaurant. So, we were not hopeful when we drove through Champniers. We even passed Le Feu de Bois but turned around to go and investigate. Are we glad we did. Good parking. Walk up the steps to the doors and from what appeared to be a roadside cafe, you walk into a fine dining experience. We must have looked lost and surprised because we were greeted by Danielle, the owner, and shown to a delightful table for two by a window. The food choices were good and the open fire grill was burning. I chose a hamburger without bread and was delivered a plate laid out like an expensive restaurant. It was a delight. Just because I chose a hamburger, doesn't mean there werent beautiful meals, these were reasonably costed to meet our budget. If you were wanting a dessert, all items were hand made by Danielle and looked wonderful. Also a buffet choice. A surprising little haven on a road trip.

Being Monday evening our choice of restaurant was limited but we were not disappointed. The choice of menu was excellent, the food superb and served with skill and courtesy. Our friends who live locally have said they will make a point of going back.

A bit in the sticks and more or less found by accident. Quite impressive looking from the outside. Even more so when when inside and walking past the central bbq/grill area which was huge. Dinner was early so looked like we were first in the resturant. Ordered and very soon after the food arrived. Only bottled beer so a dissapointment. The food was not too bad with real chips. After testing a few other resturants in Angouleme this one could be worth a revisit.

Used by locals and travellers alike. Large wood fired grill. Pleasant staff and good food. Not expensive. Good motel next door.