La Ferme des 3 Maillets

In the heart of the medieval city, this eatery, taken over by a talented duo (ex L’Hibiscus in Orléans), focuses on carefully crafted recipes rooted in local produce: trout, white asparagus, wild garlic seasoning and asparagus sabayon. Timeless traditional interior and a lovely patio for alfresco dining.

Domus (Latin for "home") is presided over by a dream team of two chefs and a front-of-house manager who earned their stripes in star restaurants and upmarket bistros (the chefs met at La Table du Connétable in Chantilly). They take full advantage of seasonal ingredients and produce from Sologne to concoct an intriguing programme: semi-cooked foie gras, mushroom seasoning; smoked Sologne sturgeon, pickled kohlrabi; slow-baked cod, frothy tomato mousse and basil-flavoured roast courgette. When you now add sensible prices, you will quickly understand why it is often fully booked.

This nicely restored former coaching inn offers tasty dishes showcasing produce of the local terroir; it also has comfortable guestrooms and a popular summer swimming pool. The welcome is particularly charming. A restaurant that is as friendly as it is stylish.