ibis budget Chateaudun

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

A military barracks under Napoleon III, the site has since been converted into a restaurant, where chef Ludovic Brethenoux brings in the big guns. Originally from Périgord, he trained, most notably, at La Villa Madie in Cassis. His affinity with the Vendômois area is evident in his precise and refined contemporary cuisine. A real treat.

On the banks of the Loir, this bistro adjoins the bridge that leads to the old town. The chef swears by short supply chains and puts the seasons firmly in the spotlight in his cooking, which is accompanied by carefully chosen natural wines. When the weather is fine, head for the two terraces, one of which is on the first floor, overlooking the river. Delightful.

A short walk from the city centre, in the suburbs of Chartres, the husband-and-wife team behind Terra (he is an Italian chef and she is a South African pastry chef) extend an invitation to join them on a culinary journey. The excellent and quintessentially Italian cuisine is served in a friendly atmosphere – the fiorentina-style cannelloni stuffed with veal and spinach and the house parmesan sauce is delicious!

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.

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc found Chartres's Gothic cathedral to be the most beautiful in France. The owner of Le Grand Monarque Hotel had the inspired idea of opening this friendly bistro and wine bar with a terrace overlooking the imposing edifice. Locals, pilgrims and tourists dig into good traditional fare that showcases local farmers and market gardeners: pâté en croûte; veal belly, coffee reduction and fluffy dauphine potatoes; floating island served with a ladle, a French childhood classic. Savvy choice of wines from small-scale winegrowers.

In the heart of the historic city, this eatery is well and truly located in an authentic 16C watermill built on the banks of the River Eure. The dining room oozes with nostalgic charm from bare beams and stone floors, while the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the river. The chef favours a contemporary score: catfish in a courgette cannelloni; cromesquis of slow-cooked pork and popcorn crème; low temperature loin of pork, fried polenta, spinach and coffee sauce; crunchy rhubarb and vanilla crumble. Slick, seamless service and superlative patio (weather permitting).