Menu - Le Batiâ

It won't be to everyone's tastes particularly those of you looking for a hearty meal. But if you have a good command of French or Google translate handy then yo... read more It won't be to everyone's tastes particularly those of you looking for a hearty meal. But if you have a good command of French or Google translate handy then you should enjoy reading the descriptive menu as a prelude to the real thing. The €27 set menu represents great value. Food, flavours and service were excellent. And if you still find fault with those then there's always the picturesque view especially at sunset.

Finally a good restaurant in the centre of Saintes with views of the beautiful river Charente. The views are so good because this restaurant is actually located... read more Finally a good restaurant in the centre of Saintes with views of the beautiful river Charente. The views are so good because this restaurant is actually located on the river. It is a newly built Peniche - dutch barge, which looks a bit forbidding moored alongside the Arch of Germanicus but once inside, you will find a bright modern restaurant which is fairly buzzing during lunch time service. Besides a full a la carte menu there is a Formule fixe changed daily and good value, if not the cheapest, at 18euros for 3 courses or 15 euros for 2, starter main, or main dessert. All the fish dishes we have tried there have been good, very fresh and nicely cooked and they do good burgers too. In the evening, the main deck is a bar only so all dining on the lower deck, therefore worth booking ahead to ensure you get a table which looks out to the river rather than the few that face into the wall. In summer there are a few tables set up outside at the back of the upper deck. Service from the young team of servers is prompt, efficient and cheerful.