O Sixième Sens

When strolling around the area you could easily cross over into Belgium without realising it. But the former train station of this border village, since converted into a lovely restaurant, will encourage you to stay in France. Sample the inspired cuisine and nicely prepared dishes, all paired with good local wines. Lots of taste!

A longstanding Ardennes institution, this plush 1890 property is enjoying a new lease of life courtesy of two young brothers-cum-partners. The deftly plated dishes slalom between tradition and modernity: pressed foie gras laced in old rum, veal sweetbread, Rossini tournedos steak, turbot and risotto of fregola sarda… Gloriously peaceful patio to the rear.

This log cabin built entirely out of wood stands in quiet countryside amidst forest and woodland. The bucolic scene is set for Olivia, the exuberant lady of the house and chef Adrien to get to work and demonstrate how their shared love of nature has shaped their mindset. Genuine ambassadors of their local producers, they take real pleasure in showcasing outstanding produce. Chef Adrien may skin a perfectly ripe tomato, for example, before filling it with whipped cream jazzed up with horseradish, all of which to accompany velvety gazpacho and roast buckwheat. A fresh seasonal menu packed in rus

Grandiose is a truly apt description of the Waillimont Estate, whose lakeside lodges paint an idyllic picture for a country getaway. The restaurant is housed in the splendid stone villa-cum-ranch boasts classy living rooms, a wood-burning fire and works of art. Chef Jordan Boreux, a craftsman of flavours, lavishly shines the spotlight on regional produce in his surprise menu. You may start with wafer-thin slices of smoked ham from the Rochehaut estate’s farm, before sampling a carpaccio of beef with a subtle peanut cream, parmesan, fried curly kale and a sprinkling of edible flowers. The chef’