Auberge Les Vallées du Perche

Le Grand Monarque, which is home to Le Georges, has withstood the test of time – the hotel’s first mention in the Michelin Guide dates back to 1900! This elegantly appointed establishment is ideally located between Paris and the Loire at a crossroads between the regions of western France. Thomas Parnaud has steadfastly remained true to his mission of shining the spotlight on local producers who respect the environment as he deploys a top-to-tail ethos. Examples include Perche pike with Eure-et-Loir mushrooms and house-made fish garum, or Racan chicken, seasonal endive and kumquat. It would be

Sven Chartier and his wife Marianne have built their new nest in this tiny Perche village, opposite a church several centuries old. Far from the madding crowd, the chef is flourishing in this country chic setting, pampering diners with wholesome fare that respects tradition: scallops, almond milk, cauliflower and citron; crispy chuck steak. Culinary precision meets comfort food…

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.

The luminous, high - ceilinged interior is decorated in the manner of a contemporary bistro. The same concept extends to the menu, without forgetting tradition and a distinct fondness for charcoal - fired preparations – rib of beef, steak, andouillette, tuna and sole, all of which are cooked directly in the dining room. Simple and generous.

The country annexe of Paris's Septime. Come to enjoy enduring, seasonal and rustic cuisine that is rooted in its surroundings, drawing solely on quality produce from the nearby markets (in Sarthe and Normandy) and, to a lesser extent, what is harvested in the farm's vegetable garden. The tastefully decorated dining room exudes rustic chic. In the same spirit, a few guestrooms extend an invitation to linger a little on this wooded hill in the Perche region, with its fruit trees, hives, and even a sauna overlooking the natural surroundings. A laudable initiative.

Here in the former capital of the Perche region, Sylvain Parisot draws inspiration from the local terroir and masters wood-fired cooking. A dish of crispy-skinned mackerel, pink at the bone, and sabayon with vin jaune perfectly illustrates the skill, sensibility and finesse of this talented young chef, who trained at renowned establishments such as L'Astrance and La Maison Lameloise. Keiko, his wife, keeps a watchful eye over the restaurant floor. A hit with foodies.

This welcoming hostelry, which belonged to the chef’s great grandparents, boasts an authentic family atmosphere. After learning the ropes in prestigious restaurants, the chef has returned to his roots in the company of his wife, who hails from the southwest as you might be able to guess from her accent. A quintessential French country inn, particularly when lunching on the small patio in fine weather.