"Let 's be clear, we are talking about good wholesome food, not some gastronomic adventure. There is no à la carte, simply two choices of menu du jour. My ratings thus apply to how it rates as basic family style food. We live nearby and this resto...is in walking distance. We don 't eat there often, but that is because we don 't eat much at lunchtime in or out. The layout of the dining room is clean and airy, warm in winter. One chooses a table then self serves at the cold buffet. One of our visitors from UK makes the mistake of heaping his plate with some of almost everything, big prawns, soused herrings, charcuterie (beautiful duck paté , etc etc and then has difficulty finishing his main course later simply because the buffet is so attractive. The main course will generally be a choice of two meats and they will be braised or slow roasted. Portions are generous and will be accompanied by plain spuds or chips, also in generous portions. The cheese board is offered with a good array of French cheese (unfortunately no Breton cheeses, which are getting better with the years . Simple but appetising desserts, 'the usual suspects ', after and a cup of simple coffee. A large (1L bottle of wine per table, but another (free if you choose to indulge and will be able to sleep off the meal and wine in the afternoon. Service is prompt, cheerful and provided by lithesome ladies who keep their figure by moving very quickly for about an hour! We have never eaten at La Valée in the evening or weekend, but we went to a function where the food was supplied by their 'traiteur ' service (outside catering in English and it arrived hot and delicious, quite an achievement ! Often, in the evening, on our way home we will see the car park totally full and the verges nearby well occupied due to a well attended function in full sway. Clearly very popular with the natives as well. It 's surprising that there are not more reviews of this restaurant, and its placement as 5th out of 9 does not, in my view, reflect its real position. It should really be at 1st or 2nd in my view. BUT... do remember to get there just before noon. Since it is so popular, there is a big surge from 12 onwards."
