L'autre Rive Cafe Librairie - Huelgoat

Stumbling across this place is quite magical. You go up a very steep lane through the woods and then see strange, metal sculptures in a garden with picnic tables. Inside the old farmhouse is a cafe and bookshop. And there are more books upstairs. It has an air of the alternative, the organic and the visionary. It challenges your expectations in a very pleasant way. Savoury cakes! And there is wi-fi. Again, that's something unexpected in such a rural spot.

This is an extraordinary place with a real sense of passion for creativity and the environment. The food is great- this time I had the potato with goats cheese- and was able to sit quietly reading one or the hundreds of books available to browse or even buy. It provides a perfect pit stop on a circular walk from Huelgoat. There is some beautiful hand- spun and dyed wool on sale. Tempting. They have a programme of events which you can follow on their website. Pleasant owners who will let you read undisturbed.

Only found this quirky place through Trip Advisor. Food was simple but delicious. Portion size was good and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. I can recommend the cold meat selection. Well worth seeking out.

During a long walk through the forest, where we weren't entirely sure if on right path or completely lost, we saw a sign for a cafe and bookshop, apparently only 400m away. We didn't know whether to believe this as we seemed in heart of the forest and path was narrow and steep ..... But we also didn't want to miss chance of getting a cold drink if it really was there! After walking uphill, for what seemed much more than 400m, we caught a glimpse of a white building through the trees. It was indeed a cafe ! It turned out we were right at the back of the forest and just across the road was this lovely gem of a place. With the sun beaming down, we relaxed with our dog at the picnic table and enjoyed ice cold lemonades. What a great spot!

We've been making a pilgrimage to this cafe-bookstore in the woods every time we return to Brittany. Yesterday evening, even though it was close to the theoretical 9:00 PM closing time, Marc and Katita graciously showed us their menu, and served up some welcome comfort food - in my case, one of their signature savory "cakes," a delicious wheat and chestnut flour loaf of ham, mushrooms, and figs, washed down with a German draught beer. Oh yes - the books. L'Autre Rive has a wonderful selection, including many titles on Brittany and its folklore and nature. We've attended several concerts, lectures, and other events here; it's really a two-person cultural center. From Huelgoat town center, follow the sign to Berrien (for trucks), and then look for a blue and white sign for the "Café Librairie L'Autre Rive."