Hôtel l'Echalier

Is the restaurant a grocer’s or is it the other way round? Whatever, this ebullient, two-in-one business quietly feeds us well, which is all that matters! Mathieu (in charge of savoury dishes) and Clémentine (desserts) curate a splendid, seasonal menu that stars regional produce: organic market garden veg from down the road, free-range meat and herbs from the garden. All the tableware (crockery, knife rests, carafes) is the handiwork of artisans established in this thriving pottery village. Their unpretentious eatery is a hit with the locals, which is always a good sign. Beware, 20 seats only,

This restaurant run by a sincere and welcoming couple in an old farmhouse about 15km from Bourges is definitely one to recommend. Everything is house-made, most of the vegetables come from the family's own garden, and freshness is the order of the day in each dish. Multi-course set menus – more elaborate in the evening and at weekends – to be enjoyed on the shaded terrace bordered by the garden.