Le Marché — Restaurant in Valence

We visited Valence earlier this month from the US for a wedding. We looked up places for dinner our first night and this came up, but as it turns out it's more of a drink and snack spot than a true dinner restaurant, they really only had charcuterie boards and appetizers to eat, which we didn't realize until we sat down. The reviews really made it sound like it was a dinner spot so know that it's not, just to be aware. This really seems like a local hangout, it was a lot of friends meeting up to grab a drink. Atmosphere is nice out in the square, although I did wish we were eating at the spot next door with more of an ambiance and covered tables, these tables were just out on the square without much thought. I wasn't sure whether to just sit or be seated so I popped in and to say bonjour and ask and they looked at me like I had 2 heads - sorry I guess? We ordered a charcuterie board and some drinks. The board was good, can't go wrong with French cheese, although it wasn't anything to write home about. The drinks were fine, again can't go wrong with French wine.

This is where it got weird - everywhere else in France we had to ask for the check, as you do. They don't bring it until you indicate you are ready for it and encourage taking your time at meals, I think most tourists know this or learn it pretty quickly. This was the only place I felt that wasn't the case - shortly after they brought our food out, while I was mid-bite, our server came over and said "you pay now". I must have looked at her confused because that doesn't even happen in the US where they do try to get you out quick and bring the check early, let alone France. She then said "please!" as she held out the reader. Never brought a paper copy of the check or let me see the charges, just shoved the reader into my face as I was in the middle of eating. After that we did not feel very welcome anymore and hurried to finish and leave. It completely ruined our evening and honestly our view of Valence unfortunately, and made us feel that even though we were there for a French friend's wedding and were being kind and respectful and following their customs, that we were not welcome. We wondered if they were trying to get us to leave (not sure why they would, we were just sitting there minding our own business, talking quietly and eating), or if they've had problems with tourists dining and dashing so they wanted payment asap? Whatever the case, it did not feel good and left us feeling unwelcome and out of place. I asked my French friend about it later and she said that she hadn't seen or heard of that happening and wasn't sure why that would be. Either way, can't say we'd ever...

I'd say it is mostly used as a short of cafe - bar place than a restaurant. Have not seen many people eating to be honest. The service though is quite quick, they don't bother you with the bill until the end or when you signal them. Polite people, location is at a main square of the city center. Has an indoors and outdoors space to choose from. Not much of a view around outdoors, since it is surrounded by the buildings of the square it is part of. A good place to go for coffee or a drink or two. Nothing...

Réservation faite pour le brunch avec 2 semaines d’avance pour être sûrs d’avoir une place. Enchantés d’y aller le dimanche à 11h, nous nous rendons à l’établissement tout sourire. Notre joie est vite redescendue lorsque nous nous présentons devant un établissement fermé à l’heure de réservation passée, sans aucune information disponible expliquant cette fermeture. Après 15 minutes d’attente, 3 coups de téléphones et un message Instagram sans réponse, nous décidons de nous rendre à un autre établissement pour ne pas gâcher cette belle matinée que nous avions prévus, finalement en demi teinte avec cette déconvenue. Agréable de recevoir une réponse 3 jours plus tard (quelle réactivité !) sur Instagram disant « on ne pouvait pas vous prévenir, nous n’avions pas votre numéro de téléphone » quand nous avons pris le sérieux de passer réservation tôt et bien sûr, en donnant notre numéro de téléphone. Et puis, il est vrai que diffuser un post ou une story Instagram pour communiquer sur l’annulation du brunch la veille ou le matin même demande un effort considérable 🤔 Bref, niveau professionnalisme, on ne (re?)tentera pas...