Berry Relais

Marie-Christine and Didier Clément have successfully enhanced Sologne’s pastoral universe in their historic regional gourmet landmark thanks to some fabulous restoration work. The Offard house was entrusted with creating an incredible natural, ‘rural’ interior out of “stone cardboard”, an 18C handicraft about which chef Didier Clément is passionate. The food embodies a gourmet interpretation of the countryside, courtesy of the chef’s research into forgotten herbs and spices: grains of paradise, sand leek, angelica and lemon thyme. Clément signs a patriotic lineup, free of unnecessary frills an

The couple at the head of this pleasant inn in a small village near Valençay can be relied upon to whip up amazing food; everything is homemade and the chef favours regional ingredients to concoct his delicate, toothsome recipes. Served in a charming rustic interior or alfresco on the flower-decked terrace in fine weather. The establishment’s success and excellent value for money mean that bookings are essential.

Assisted front of house by sommelier Océane (his partner), Clément Dumont, a young chef from the region with some solid experience, has made this restaurant not far from the Royal Citadel the new place to be. An inspired technician with a love of plants and the seasons, he cooks up creative, at times bold cuisine that is inspired by the village, Loire poultry and fish, and of course the goat's cheese, vegetables from his own kitchen garden, and herbs picked by small-scale grower Juliette Krier. One example is the starter based on white asparagus from the Richelais area, preserved egg yolk, eld

It may take a little getting to, but this family-run restaurant set in the countryside is a real treat! Fabrice and Clément Dallais, representing the third and fourth generations, create dishes with a modern outlook. Theirs is tasty, festive fare that is deeply rooted in the local land – for example, Racan chicken and pigeon, Géline de Touraine (heirloom poultry), offal and game, organic vegetables from market gardeners, and pike. Tuck into their surprise set menus in an immaculate contemporary setting. Remarkable wine list and judicious recommendations from the sommelier.

In the heart of a wooded estate, this venue sets the scene for a culinary experience that is both delicate and daring under the auspices of Pierre Frindel, formerly at Sources de Caudalie. The chef delicately crafts local and less local produce, deploying his consummate skill and subtle creativity. Each dish strikes an accomplished, harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, depicted by a breast of Bresse poultry, melt-in-the-mouth aubergine, smoked caviar and crunchy confit leg, underscored by a saffron jus, or by John Dory in nasturtium oil. Spot-on cooking, elegant plating and a di

Japan boasts two museums devoted to the cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who created the famous lovers in 1942, immortalised by a postage stamp. Some of his Japanese admirers thus naturally chose the small village of Saint Valentin to celebrate February 14 in culinary style. In a stripped-back, contemporary interior, graced with posters and lithographs by Peynet, a 100% Japanese brigade conjures up a subtle new take on modern Gallic fare, scattered with delicate Japanese notes.

Christophe Hay's restaurant is housed in a 17C stone-built hospice on the banks of the Loire, overlooking the river that is his primary inspiration. Giving onto the kitchens, the elegant dining room is adorned with decor that evokes the chef's culinary world. He rolls out his repertoire, from signature dishes to original creations, which are notable for their lightness and flavour, but also their textures. Every plate is an ode to the Loire Valley, drawing on its Ossietra caviar from Sologne, wild-caught Loire perch, vegetables from the kitchen garden, Touraine guinea fowl, Chambord venison, W