Le Prieuré de Boulogne

Since he opened this splendid country restaurant, Didier Doreau has turned it into a genuine gourmet stronghold. Terrine of pike à la Chambord, pâté of game served warm drizzled in jus, traditional calf’s head, Grand Marnier-flavoured baked citrus fruits… You can expect a pageant of traditional Gallic staples, made with fresh, crisp produce, crafted into dishes that exalt and respect the intrinsic flavour of each ingredient. The chef is renowned for his way with game in season (hare, venison, wild boar, etc.), which further adds to the well-deserved success of what has become a culinary benchm

Nicolas Aubry, previously Christophe Hay's executive chef, has now taken over the reins of his mentor's restaurant. The decor has not been changed and it is a pleasure to be back in this modern space with a view into the kitchen. Organised into single set menus that take their cue from the seasons and from produce sourced in the Loire region, the finely crafted dishes are expressions of his delicate cuisine, which may be subtle but has bags of personality.

Just opposite their former establishment, Alice and Alexis Letellier are writing a new chapter at Granica. In a stylish, modern setting whose raftered ceiling bears witness to the premises’ former vocation as a barn, the couple is going from strength to strength in their new HQ. The chef deftly crafts a delicate, spot-on score in which premium ingredients are subtly garnished with fresh garden herbs. A set, several-course menu, razor-precision cooking, full-bodied gravies and sauces and elegant plating set the scene. Alice, your sommelier and in charge of the front of house, plies diners with

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

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

Anthony and Fumiko Maubert have set up shop in the heart of Blois, while awaiting the refurbishment of their establishment on the banks of the Loire. For a long time, Anthony worked alongside Arnaud Donckele (La Vague d'Or), while Fumiko has a twin vocation of nutritionist and pastry chef - her creations stand out for their delicacy and low added sugar. Every morning (“assa” in Japanese), the couple devises the daily menu together, drawing on produce of impeccable quality and numerous Japanese seasonings and ingredients. Sansho berries, wild yuzu, nori seaweed broth, matcha tea and azuki red b

This restaurant is housed in a converted 19C coaching inn opposite the medieval castle. A tight-knit chef and sommelier duo are at the helm, pooling their gourmet skills. The chef carefully prepares local ingredients and freshly caught fish to create mouth-watering dishes, such as Roi Rose de Touraine pork, perfectly confit, packed with sweet and savoury flavours and served with delicious pak choi steamed then flash-seared over a flame. As you will see, there's a lot of work involved; apart from the wonderful bread from the local baker, everything from the amuse-bouche to the dessert is beauti