Hôtel Restaurant L'Atelier des Cousins

Taste Pierre Gagnaire’s free-spirited culinary vision at Gaya, part of La Grande Terrasse Hotel, not far from Les Boucholeurs. The local score seamlessly mixes surf and turf ingredients in elegant dishes flanked by high-flying jus, sauces and crèmes. An example: small oysters and razor clams steamed in white wine and paired with wild seaweed and finely chopped cauliflower. Swish service and a stylish interior, all of which with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Splendid wine list and wines by the glass from magnum bottles.

"There are six seasons in the year": with this saying in mind, chef Cécile Richard adapts her recipes to the times, with a drive for creativity that can be sensed in her fresh and precise cuisine. Locally caught fish, fruit and vegetables from organic market gardeners, aromatic herbs and flowers from the garden can be enjoyed in this farmhouse, converted in a pleasant rustic style. Attractive glass-paned wine cellar. New menu every two months.

In a quaint little village, a short drive from La Rochelle, this restaurant stands at the end of a pedestrian only lane. Alsace-born chef Nicolas Durif unveils his passion for plants (like hyssop), of which he uses up to 60 in summertime, sourced from France and the rest of the world. Discreet nods to his homeland can be found in his creative lineup and in the enticing wine list. His several course surprise menus rich in citrus fruits and Asian spices come highly recommended.