Traditional Holiday Home in Brinon sur Beuvron

This iconic institution of the Morvan region, which has seen so many generations of chefs and fine food lovers pass through its doors, has embarked on a new chapter. In the wake of its auspicious débuts with Alexandre Dumaine and Bernard Loiseau, chef Louis-Philippe Vigilant now rolls out up-to-the-minute cuisine founded on solid classical bases. He has added his hallmark to more personal recipes that star first-class ingredients. Nostalgic guests can travel back in time and sample some of Bernard Loiseau’s iconic classics, such as frog's legs with garlic purée and parsley juice. The lineup of

Wholesome flavours, jus, emulsions and sauces that melt in the mouth, illustrated by quenelle of sheatfish, white asparagus and langoustine cream or loin of pork and artichokes in a gutsy veal gravy. Their new take on the ubiquitous crottin de Chavignol featuring a light, unctuous, siphoned mousse surrounded by an acidic tomato juice is out of this world. The chef’s up-to-date, intelligent, delicate cuisine sings the praises of local produce, all of which orchestrated into subtle, colourful dishes. Chef Julien Medard and his wife Delphine (in charge of the dining room) warmly greet customers i

In the heart of a famous wine-growing village, a young couple from Brittany has opted to shine the spotlight on seafood to such an extent that you can almost smell the sea air. Their single set menu, whose dishes are intriguingly and poetically named, offers a choice of flawlessly fresh fish and shellfish, all of which are consummately cooked. The chef, who clearly knows his stuff, has his sights clearly focused on a single goal: taste. The wine list unsurprisingly gives the floor to Sancerre wines, and you'll hear no complaints from us. Cheerful, smiling service in an uncluttered, elegant int

You soon forget the road just outside, as you snuggle up near the fireplace of this pleasant Auberge! The menu stars simple dishes of Burgundian inspiration that are nicely crafted and packed with flavour: slow-cooked egg and snails in a red wine sauce, guinea fowl supreme, puréed potato, braised endive, Bourdaloue tart – and the bill won't break the bank.

Set in a stunning estate complete with a golf course and spa, this former hunting lodge has been turned into a hotel and fine dining restaurant. The vaulted dining area with white tablecloths and an understated contemporary decor looks out onto the green. Originally from the Cévennes, Clément Vergeat (formerly at Guy Savoy and Alliance in Paris, Kokkeriet in Copenhagen) has devised a surprise menu that combines produce from Southern Europe with Northern European techniques: Camargue oysters with dried duck; smoked prawn tartare smørbrød style; fermented strawberries and matured lamb. Marine Ma

This edifice on the banks of the Yonne is truly superlative! Founded by Marie Lorain in 1945, the establishment rose to fame in the hands of her son, Michel, and then later, when her modest, conscientious grandson, Jean-Michel, took over. The latter has entrusted his nephew, Alexandre Bondoux, with the task of composing the menu. Regulars can rest assured that the original, iconic dishes remain (lobster stew; calf sweetbread in ginger), now flanked by flashes of inspiration (skate wing à la meunière in green butter, lovage and morels; suckling lamb from the Pyrenees, gambero rosso and Arabica-

This aptly named establishment is supplied by a market gardener who grows over 300 varieties of vegetables, fruit and herbs. Chef Arnaud Billard, a native of Maubeuge, is now at home on the left bank of the Loire on the road to Bourges. His tasty, spot-on market cuisine is clearly veggie focused, thanks to inspired, yet subtle associations together with an underlying fondness for citrus fruits. Dotted with Asian notes, the score also demonstrates the chef’s love of seafood. Examples include scallops on a bed of leeks, paired with a delicious yuzu kosho sauce, which is a paste made out of chili