Once upon a time my wife and I systematically tried, most of the lake-side restaurants that serve filets des perches on the French coast of Lac Leman/Lake Geneva. So I reckon we are a good source to write this blog! Join us in our summer chalets and explore our top foodie destinations.
What are filets des perches?
They are filets of the perch fish, small lake fish and they are delish. Cooked like a healthier, local version of fish and chips, without the batter but with a multitude of amazing sauces such as meuniere (butter), persillade (parsley), ail et persil (garlic and parsley) are some of our favourites.
Being a lake fish they are more sustainably fished than seafood with smaller nets that cause less damage. A lake being a smaller body of water is also easier to police and make sure regulations are being followed such as the amount fished and the ban of perche fishing in May to let the babies born in spring grow. So a tip is that if you see a restaurant serving filets de perche from Lac Leman/Lake Geneva in May they will be frozen.
The fishermen of Lac Leman/Lake Geneva catch around 400 tonnes of perch each year and the restaurants around the lake sell around 7300 tonnes so finding perches from the Lac Leman/Lake Geneva is tricky since 9/10 restaurants serve frozen perche from Eastern Europe. Either way you are in for a delicious treat however for aficionados you can find perches from Lac Leman/Lake Geneva in Morzine at L’Alpage and on the lake at Port Touges. Filets de perche can cost a few more € than some mains as they are mostly hand filleted so they are a lot of work! Rotonde, L’Etale and Alpine Lounge are all good places to enjoy this dish locally in Morzine
Our top 3 restaurants for filets de perche on Lac Leman/Lake Geneva
Photo credit: Pieds Dans L’Eau
Pied Dans L’Eau
Location: Anthy, (40 minutes from Morzine)
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Why? Abundant portions and a great setting. Pieds dans l’eau means feet in the water and that is what you have here. The restaurant is on one side of the road, however you can choose to sit outside on the other next to the lake. If you have kids they can play between the tables and the lake on the grassy beach where you can keep an eye on them. The lake is kept fresh and clear here by a small stream that runs alongside the restaurant. Some guests called this their new happy place!
Les Cygnes – “Chez Jules”
Location: Margencel, 45 minutes from Morzine
Why? Since 1938 Cygnes (meaning swan) passes the test of the time, has a great seasonal menu, right next door to the lake in a cool little hamlet and with the possibility to request perche from the lake if in stock. Originally a fishing hut, the Cygnes has been developed as it has been passed down the generations and is justifiably populare.
Photo credit : thononlesbains.com
Photo credit : hotellescygnes.com
Cygnes
Location: Evian, 50 minutes from Morzine
Why? Classic venue with a focus on quality also has it’s own Evain spring water source! Not all my friends loves the Cygnes as much as I do. For me it is like a step back in time to when cutlery was heavy, salt shakers were made of silver, and one had different waiters for wine/serving/hosting. Oh I do love it. You get less fish here however what you do get is top! We love a table in the garden, with the vines above, lake below, delux!
Bon appetite!
