Hôtel de Courteilles

For nearly 30 years, Arnaud and Cécilia Viel have been running their modern establishment with a strong personality in perfect harmony with the chef's cuisine. Here in Argentan, homage is paid to Normandy through exceptional hand-picked ingredients: local butter and unpasteurised farmhouse cream, scallops from Port-en-Bessin, lobster from Carteret, foie gras from the Pays d'Auge, sand carrots from Créances, sometimes combined with premium items such as caviar or black winter truffles. The food impresses with flawless execution and harmonious flavours. The excellent wine list is curated by Céci

It would be hard to find a more rural location than this old mill on the banks of a pond and tucked away deep in the countryside! Chef Gaspard Noury, a local lad, devises a modern bistro score comprised of generous mains (e.g. fork-tender confit beef cheeks with carrots and potatoes) and wickedly enticing desserts (pear and quince crumble with fresh country cream). Soak up the warm, laid-back atmosphere as you gaze out over the meadows from the lovely terrace.

This restaurant, which immediately draws the eye with its appealing half-timbered façade, is a tried-and-tested favourite with diners. Originally from Normandy, chef Xavier Buzieux has been turning out generous, accomplished home-style cooking for nearly 30 years, attentive to the seasons and local producers. Its success continues unabated, thanks in no small part to its droves of regulars and warm and friendly atmosphere.

A young couple, who previously worked at Anne-Sophie Pic (most notably), have set up shop in the countryside, in this traditional half-timbered house with bags of character. They bring a breath of modernity to a menu based on ingredients from the Normandy terroir. The chef likes to punctuate his dishes with small, original touches that are pleasant surprises for the diner. A warm welcome and attentive service.

(Temporarily closed) Stéphane and Agnès Mabille greet guests warmly in their spruce, traditional inn, appointed in a rustic vein. The seasoned chef concocts homemade terrines and assorted Normandy delicacies. In fine weather, make a beeline for the garden and terrace, which overlook the horses grazing in the next-door world-famous Haras du Pin stud farm. Unstarched, friendly vibe.

In a lovely, out-of-the-way spot in the Normandy countryside, this bright establishment also boasts a gorgeous terrace. Camille, front of house, and Tom Blain, in the kitchen, are the charming, energetic young couple at the helm. This well-crafted cuisine is a delight for the taste buds: varied textures in the starter featuring goat's cheese and slow-cooked egg, and excellent preparation of the beetroot accompanying a tasty wild boar pie. The bill, too, is sure to put a smile on your face. Tapas are served on Thu and Fri evenings.

With its half-timbering and quaint charm, this characteristic old inn is the quintessence of Normandy and is now the haunt of a young couple who pay tribute to Normandy’s produce. The Dutch-born chef crafts modern, inspired cuisine, such as monkfish with green peas, aubergine caviar and a floral emulsion, or an upside-down apple tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream – that is wickedly tempting!