L'Ancienne Auberge

The story

L'Ancienne Auberge in Vonnas, France – Bistro Dining by Georges Blanc

L'Ancienne Auberge, Vonnas

Within the Village Blanc, a five-hectare estate that has grown around the family home of chef Georges Blanc, L'Ancienne Auberge serves as the convivial brasserie of this celebrated address. The Auberge is part of a larger story: the Blanc family has been welcoming guests in Vonnas since 1872, when Georges Blanc’s great-grandparents first set up as café owners. Today, the Village Blanc includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, hotels, a spa, boutiques, and this lively bistro.

L'Ancienne Auberge is described as a brasserie, offering a more relaxed setting than the estate’s gastronomic restaurant. It is one of several dining options within the Village Blanc, which also includes the seasonal La Terrasse des Étangs. The Auberge sits on the Place du Marché, at the heart of the village, and is part of an ensemble of buildings that have been transformed or renovated to create what the house calls a “Village Gourmand.”

The spirit of the place is rooted in the Bresse region. The website notes that Georges Blanc, heir to three generations of “Mères cuisinières,” honours his native terroir with passion and savoir-faire. While the Michelin-starred restaurant is the most formal expression of that tradition, L'Ancienne Auberge brings the same ethos to a more accessible and convivial meal. The Auberge is recommended by the Michelin guide, reflecting the consistent quality across the Blanc estate.

Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner, with outdoor seating available. The atmosphere is one of a classic French brasserie, where the focus is on generous, well-executed dishes. The setting itself is part of the experience: the Village Blanc has been carefully landscaped, with water features, gardens, and evening lighting that creates a magical atmosphere. For those interested in the culinary heritage of the house, cooking classes are offered on Saturdays, where participants can learn to prepare the house’s emblematic dish, Bresse poultry. Wine tastings led by the sommelier are also available.

L'Ancienne Auberge is a place to experience the Blanc family’s legacy of hospitality and French cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It is a key part of the Village Blanc, a destination that has grown over generations into a complete gourmet retreat.