The battle to save the dying heart of rural France: the village bistro

‘People seem really happy it’s open again.’ The Au Bon Accueil restaurant in Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne. ‘People seem really happy it’s open again.’ The Au Bon Accueil restaurant in Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne. The Sunday read France The battle to save the dying heart of rural France: the village bistro Once central to rural life, cafe-bistros are closing in the face of depopulation and falling alcohol consumption, but campaigners are seeking new ways forward

It is just past noon on a midweek day, and already every table at Au Bon Acceuil cafe-bistro in the northern Burgundy village of Saint-Martin-sur-Ouanne is taken.

The three-course lunch menu today – including a choice of a hefty chunk of steak with chips or a meaty lasagne – is just €18, but villagers are not only here for the food.