La Perronière

Upstream from Amboise, on the south bank of the Loire, this medieval castle with two massive towers, remodelled during the Renaissance, cannot fail but catch the eye. The edifice peacefully presides over vast formal grounds and staunchly upholds the Loire’s gracious art de vivre. The orangery, part of which is built into the rocky hillside, is the epitome of elegant, and on sunny days it is a treat to sit on the pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens. Chef Arnaud Philippon's cuisine flirts with the zeitgeist: pressed young goat and foie gras, pied bleu mushrooms, wild garlic and mango and co

Not far from the château, this contemporary bistro nestled behind a traditional burgundy-coloured façade makes an impression! Two old friends, who met at Tours hospitality management school, rustle up a flawless culinary experience, delving freely into the abundance of first-rate local produce available, from asparagus and strawberries in season to Roi Rose pork and goat's cheese. Dishes that taste as delicious as they sound include roasted scallops, cauliflower and vanilla oil; or lemon tart sprinkled with dried black lemon, a wickedly tempting detail that makes this dessert irresistible.

You only have to take a look at chef Jérôme Roy’s star-studded CV (Gagnaire and Troisgros, together with a star earned at the Couvent des Minimes at Mane) to know he has an ambitious roadmap! Born in Loches, he has returned to his roots in the company of his spouse, and together they have created this smart, trendy venue. Roy deftly crafts modern, creative fare that keeps pace with the seasons and is meticulously sourced: sautéed scallops in a stock of the scallop frills, dried lime and Aleppo pepper; lamb in provençal herbs, artichoke and samphire; segments of pink grapefruit marinated in spi

A restored farmstead nestling in the midst of sprawling private woodland houses an unconventional property guided by foraging. Wild plants are picked on the estate and the veggies are from the permaculture cottage garden and neighbouring organic farm, acquired by the owners, all of which sets the scene for unexpected creative cuisine. The dining room is wood-rich, while lodges on stilts and artwork set the scene outdoors. The single set several course menu may include green pea and wild sorrel ice cream, flame-licked mackerel and buds of wild brambles or foie gras wrapped in woodland smartweed

Hervé and Patricia Chardonneau, a couple of foodies formerly of Casse-Cailloux in Tours, have set up shop in the heart of a wine-growing village. Hervé crafts a hearty, wholesome lineup of traditional French nosh, together with game in season: hare à la royale (a sort of jugged hare), a game pie (oreiller de la belle Aurore), lamb’s brains... His bistronomic approach draws its inspiration from the seasons. Fine wine list with a focus on organic and natural wines. Separate wine bar.

This quaint historic village is the lair of a self-taught couple, who sources their organic ingredients entirely locally thus enabling them to develop close ties with producers. The gutsy result demonstrates a weakness for veggies and fermentation illustrated by vegetarian black pudding paired with apple and black garlic pickles, although the menu also features a sprinkling of meat and fish dishes. A delightful patio shaded by linden trees in fine weather and swish, slick service complete the portrait.

In the heart of a picturesque village in the Cher valley, close to the Château de Chenonceau, this friendly, contemporary bistro treats diners to fresh seasonal cuisine curated by a talented chef. Mickaël Renard honed his skills in top establishments of the likes of the Hostellerie de Levernois (at the time of Jean Crotet), the Côte d'Or in Saulieu (alongside Bernard Loiseau) and the Auberge des Templiers. Today: tataki of bonito, bulgur, avocado purée and curcuma-flavoured Caesar sauce; steak with Cajun sauce, baby potatoes and button mushrooms. The regulars know that the menu changes frequen