Hôtel La Palmeraie

This old building in the centre of the village has been treated to a tasteful contemporary makeover to showcase the talents of Clémence Goupil and Alex Néel. Both are fountains of knowledge about their profession and its history and their establishment’s name refers to the inventor of the modern restaurant concept, Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau. Your hosts sing an ode to fresh seasonal produce with touching sincerity teamed with bold flourishes: a seafood-tinged tartare of veal, ponzu seasoning and smoked John Dory; poultry breast poached in tarragon butter, green pea cream and black garlic.

Treat yourself to a gourmet country getaway a stone's throw from Caen, in Stéphane Carbone's ruddy terracotta-coloured establishment. The chef, something of a local celebrity, rustles up traditional dishes with a modern twist. A case in point: lightly seared scallops, veg, a spicy cracker and a beetroot and ginger emulsion. Each table commands a fine view of the canal.

Just a stone's throw from the marina, in the bustling hub of Caen life, chef Stéphane Carbone explores France's terroirs, from Normandy and the Lyonnais to Bresse (where he grew up and learned to cook) to his parents' and grandparents' native Calabria. Using the freshest ingredients, he serves modern cuisine with a dash of creativity, proceeding according to the mood on any given day. Signature dishes are available à la carte, including the heart sweetbread cooked in a sauté pan or the Caribbean chocolate shell with a hot chocolate velouté… To be enjoyed in the contemporary dining area, from w

Anthony Caillot's waterfront restaurant on the Presqu’île of Caen, overlooking the Bassin Saint-Pierre marina, is depicted by a stylish, trendy decor. The chef signs a several-course set menu starring Normandy produce courtesy of inventive, bold recipes: raviole of duck foie gras in a strawberry-spiked stock; red mullet with a crispy skin, cauliflower mousseline and yuzu-laced sabayon; barbecued lamb, carrots in orange blossom water and a spicy seasoning.

In the heart of Le Vaugueux, an area of Caen beloved of tourists, a stone's throw from the castle, this restaurant takes the Latin name of the Pays d'Auge, birthplace of chef Grégoire James. The interior elegantly blends old-world charm – exposed beams, half-timbering and Caen stone – with refined contemporary furnishings. The modern cuisine takes the form of a concise menu, featuring local producers and organic ingredients (pea tartlet, goat's cheese, fresh herbs; Bayeux pork, sautéed potatoes, grilled courgettes, reduced jus). In fine weather, the patio terrace to the rear of the restaurant

Behind a simple exterior is this bistro with the soul of a true bouchon lyonnais (counter, cheek - to - jowl dining). That said, the chef does not limit himself to tradition and adorns his dishes with more modern ideas. Nice selection of wines from producers.

This place is just the ticket for fans of Normandy's specialities: oysters from the bay of Isigny - sur - Mer, Swiss Normandy pigeon, and Vire andouille sausage. The onus is on ingredients from the region but the chef also knows how to compose more original recipes. Elegant and bright decor.