L'Auberge du Laminak

The story

L'Auberge du Laminak – Bib Gourmand in Charleville-Mézières, France

L'Auberge du Laminak

In the village of Montcy-Notre-Dame, between the city of Arthur Rimbaud and the Meuse Valley, L'Auberge du Laminak offers a dining experience that has earned it a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin guide for Champagne-Ardennes. The award recognizes the restaurant's exceptional quality-price ratio, a testament to its thoughtful modern cuisine.

Chef André Vaquero and his partner Florence bring a compelling story to the table. After a decade cooking around the world—from New York to Seoul, Cuba to Ireland, and on cruise ships—André, originally from Biarritz, and Florence, from the Ardennes, settled here in 2005. They renamed the former "Auberge de la Forest" to "Laminak," a nod to the chef's Basque roots. The result is a successful marriage of southwestern France and the Ardennes, reflected in the kitchen's approach.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, so much so that guests often remark they wish they could stay. The restaurant has responded by opening three guest rooms, allowing diners to extend their evening in the Ardennes forest. The auberge is accessible, with outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and parking, and welcomes pets.