Au chant des oiseaux

This bright modern bistro is the HQ of Frenchman Charles Thuillant and Korean Mi-Ra, a globetrotting couple who met in Ze Kitchen Gallery, a mecca of French-Asian cuisine. But it was ultimately in Deauville, where Charles spent his holidays as a child, that they opened their own restaurant. Together, they conjure up vibrant, lively dishes in which Normandy country produce is melded with perfectly judged Asian influences, for example marinated fish in a mango-passion fruit seasoning; wagyu beef, smoked jus, samsang; nodi marini pasta, oyster, wakame, crunchy veggies… Spot-on service and a moder

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!

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.

On a side street of an iconic picturesque village of the Côte Fleurie, the establishment of the Tougard couple, open since the early 2000s, is fronted by a discreet facade. In a snug stylish interior, the chef crafts a score that cleverly slaloms between tradition and modernity. If we were to cite a single example, it would be his talented new take on calf’s head. Flavours and aromas that hit the spot every time. Not to be missed!

Situated between Caen and Lisieux in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, Beuvron-en-Auge is picture postcard perfect with its 17-18C half-timbered houses, its manors and its gardens decked in flowers come summertime. The restaurant, which occupies the village’s former covered market, is fully in keeping with this olde worlde character. Chef Adrien Haye champions local producers in a bid to work with the best seasonal produce. The enticing culinary lineup allows diners to choose from oysters from Saint-Vaast, lobster from Carteret or John Dory, as well as foie gras, veal sweetbread, tripe and andouil

A stone's throw from the banks of the River Touques and just off the tourist trail, a former crêperie is the HQ of Jarvis Scott, a former contestant on French TV's Top Chef. There is a rock 'n' roll vibe to this stripped-back, minimalist space, which is centred on the open kitchen and has an upstairs area, where a communal table is conducive to interacting with fellow diners. With his unusual pairings, the chef shakes up diners' expectations of seaside resort fare. His message is loud and clear: bold flavours delivered without unnecessary frills. The wine list gives pride of place to natural a

When strolling down the main street of Houlgate, you will pass this spruce, slate-roofed villa. In a contemporary, cheerful interior depicted by wood and stone, local lad Maxime Lehoucq has grown into a talented chef. He works with seasonal Normandy ingredients (veal, free-range eggs and cream) together with fish supplied by his fisherman brother from Trouville. Maxime’s bistronomic signature and the occasional exotic note do the rest: flame grilled mackerel, beetroot and seaweed mayonnaise; Prieuré leg of poultry, gnocchi, creamy mushrooms, Comté cheese and hazelnuts. The menu, which changes