This is what in France and especially at Pornichet a long time famous beach resort at the La Baule-Guerande area, they use to call an Institution, a must see, a place where as well the locals as the visitors love to meet to have take it easy drinks, yes! not only a single shot. Le Bidule opened as I heard in the 30'. At the beginning it was a kind of cellar in a garage where people used to come and refill their wine bottles from the tanks or the barrels. Later the owner changed it to a bar without changing much except customers were coming not to take away their bottles but to taste on the spot. I came first to this place more than 30 years ago, I returned this week-end : nothing has changed, place is packed even in the winter season, with locals who enjoy friends company around a barrel table having either Banyuls or Muscat (sweet white) It is friendly, it is busy, it is good and cheap. When there you feel comfortable among the real people living there.

This place was packed with a wide variety of clientele, well worth a visit just for the atmosphere. Apparently it’s a bit of a legend in France , staff go around carrying the bottles and glasses and you pay them from the floor not the bar.