After a day spent hiking the Pyrenean trails or hurtling down the slopes of Luchon-Superbagnères, Peyragudes, Le Mourtis or Bourg d’Oueil, there’s nothing like an authentic raclette to warm body and soul. Around Luchon, there are several places where Pyrenean cheese is generously poured over steaming potatoes, accompanied by local charcuterie and crunchy onions. Some establishments perpetuate the tradition of wood-fired raclette, an ancestral method that sublimates cow’s or sheep’s milk cheeses by giving them that characteristic slightly smoky flavour. In the warm atmosphere of the chalet-style rooms, with their exposed beams and mountain décor, the spectacle of slowly melting cheese becomes almost hypnotic. These convivial moments, where a generous dish is shared with friends or family, are an integral part of the Luchonnaise experience. For an even more local experience, some restaurants offer raclettes with Bethmale or other Pyrenean cheeses, sometimes with an original touch such as a local amber beer. Don’t forget to book ahead, as these temples to melted cheese often sell out, proving their deserved success with regulars and visitors alike.
There’s more to life than raclette! Other good places offer a wide variety of menus to suit all tastes and palates. Fans of home-made pizzas will be delighted by the wood-fired pastas and generous toppings, perfect for a convivial meal with no headaches. For a tasty trip to Asia without leaving the Pyrenees, authentic Vietnamese cuisine offers fresh spring rolls, fragrant dishes and a warm family welcome. Gourmets in search of refinement will turn to the gastronomic tables that creatively sublimate local produce: Pyrenean trout, skilfully prepared duck breast, seasonal vegetables highlighted with finesse. Traditional mountain cuisine also offers comforting classics such as garbure, grilled meats and specialities from the South-West, while the mountain restaurants offer the rare privilege of lunching facing the snow-capped peaks, plate in hand and breathtaking panorama before your eyes. Even vegetarians will find creative and tasty options, proof that Luchon and its region cultivate a gastronomic diversity that lives up to its reputation as the queen of the Pyrenees.
