Studio Ferme de Bonavis

In this 19C château built in the brick and white stone that is typical in northern France, the spruce and welcoming decor charms with its blend of old and new: first, a cosy bar that leads on to a dining room flooded with light from the windows on two sides, and giving onto a wooded park. The à la carte menu features carefully selected ingredients and precise, flavourful cuisine, cooked to perfection. A whole lobster, shelled and roasted, is served pearly white in the middle: the tail firm and flavourful, the claws tender, with crunchy or melt-in-the-mouth vegetables, a fragrant sauce with her

This grand town house is rich in history: Napoleon is said to have stayed here and it is close to where the famous Treaty of Cambrai was signed in 1529. The stylish interior mingles antique and modern pieces, while the culinary score demonstrates the passion and know-how of its father-son team. An example: lobster Bellevue and delicately seasoned shrimp paired with crisp maritime flavours and tangy citrus fruits. Don’t miss one of their signature desserts: warm madeleine cakes dipped in a honey and lemon cream that will whisk you straight to seventh heaven. L'Éphémère brasserie offers more tra

This family home dating back to the 19C was converted into a restaurant in 2008. At the helm, an experienced couple: she works in the kitchen, showcasing the home - grown produce by creating tasty dishes; he is in charge of front of house, as well as upkeep of the vegetable garden. Modern, light - filled conservatory.

Chef Jérôme Prévost (a local man and formerly sous-chef at Le Cerisier in Laventie) has brought panache to these premises – once an antique dealers' – in the heart of Douai. The elegant vestiges of the past (marble fireplace etc) blend in seamlessly with the restaurant's modern decor (with designer features such as circular banquettes, light fittings, swivel chairs). The chef makes the most of fish from the Côte d'Opale and vegetables from local producers; in season, he dedicates a menu to lobster. Boterzing, part of the same group, serves simpler bistronomy cuisine.

Behind its imposing doorway, this restaurant is housed in an old barn that has been renovated and now boasts an elegant contemporary decor. Beneath the high beamed ceiling, the honey-coloured parquet flooring, glass panels revealing the kitchen and a large exposed wine cellar are enhanced by shades of khaki and yellow. Chef Damien Franco presents a surprising and personal brand of cuisine. Precise cuissons, beautifully presented dishes and bold flavours are the order of the day: tender paleron steak, pearly fish, and desserts infused with Levantine flavours.

The chef, after stints at some prestigious establishments, opted to set up shop on these discreet premises, with spare, refined decoration, in Valenciennes – and his delicate cooking has quickly won over the city. Choice ingredients, and recipes inspired by the seasons.

With its red-brick walls and bucolic garden, this presbytery steeped in history has been turned into a hotbed of local flavours under the guidance of chef Romain Vienne. Drawing on extensive experience in MICHELIN-starred kitchens (La Côte d'Or in Saulieu, Le Clarance in Lille) and characterful brasseries, he has created a destination for foodies with simple, modern decor. Each dish expresses a love of nature: light courgette flower fritters, peas and crispy mint; perfectly cooked farm-reared pork, grilled leeks and melt-in-the-mouth pommes darphin; golden acacia-flower fritters and house-made