The story
At the foot of the Puy de Pariou, a short drive from Clermont-Ferrand, L’Auberge de la Fontaine du Berger occupies a late 19th-century building near an old military camp that now serves as a starting point for walks through the volcanic landscape. The name comes from the Fontaine du Berger itself, the spring on the Orcines commune.
Since 2004, Laurent and Laurence Rivallain have run the auberge, recently renovating the interiors. The dining spaces include a bright veranda at the front, a vaulted main room, and a more intimate rear room with views of the volcanoes. In good weather, a shaded terrace opens up. The welcome area, with its large fireplace, is a natural spot for an apéritif or digestif when the weather turns.
The kitchen here is rooted in the terroir, cooking minute by minute with fresh, seasonal products. The chef’s sourcing reflects a careful selection of suppliers—sea fish, a particular specialty, comes regularly from Les Frères du Cap in Erquy, while local products rotate with the seasons. This is a cuisine that balances rusticity with refinement, always driven by the quality of the ingredient.
A well-considered wine list accompanies the food, drawing on everything from small domaine wines to grands crus from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with a strong selection from the Rhône Valley. The carte is updated regularly based on the seasons and the sommelier’s latest finds.
The restaurant’s commitment to honest, well-sourced cooking has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction, a fitting recognition for a place that puts product and season above flash. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, the menu and the daily specials at the slate reflect what is best right now.
L’Auberge de la Fontaine du Berger serves lunch and dinner. It is closed Monday and Tuesday all day, as well as Wednesday evening and Sunday evening. Reservations are advised.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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