For some reason Pezenas is gastronomic dead spot. Les Palmiers was recommended by wine lover Jean-Marc who esablished Les Vins de Horloge, not least because the short wine list has some local growers gems with very low mark ups (note this is no longet the case). Located just down from the tourist office in the maze of back streets that is Pezenas, the other attraction is a great atmosphere. A renovation in 2005 introduced some intersting ironwork and a new expanded kitchen in a space no bigger than a deep squash court wedged between tall ancient white stoned buildings. A couple of very tall palm trees justifies their name.

The menu looks interesting because it is diverse. For our lunch the blackboard included dishes ranging from Moussaka to a vegetarian dish with goats cheese. We started with a succulent rabbit kidney terrine with salad and a Poulpe (octopus) salad - both simple and good. Saddle of rabbit baked with olives with some cheese baked penne was crude but a good sized portion and enjoyable. Brandade of haddock with gambas was perhaps a bit cheesy but otherwise tasty and fulfilling. Bough in tarte aux fraises completed the meal.

Note that Les Palmiers closes for winter and on wet days. There is no inside dining but blinds to protect against rain were in evidence.

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