L'annexe

For nearly 30 years, Arnaud and Cécilia Viel have been running their modern establishment with a strong personality in perfect harmony with the chef's cuisine. Here in Argentan, homage is paid to Normandy through exceptional hand-picked ingredients: local butter and unpasteurised farmhouse cream, scallops from Port-en-Bessin, lobster from Carteret, foie gras from the Pays d'Auge, sand carrots from Créances, sometimes combined with premium items such as caviar or black winter truffles. The food impresses with flawless execution and harmonious flavours. The excellent wine list is curated by Céci

Amandine Chaignot has breathed new life into this inn, in which centuries-old beams meet modern concrete. While the bistro has energised this village deep in the Perche region, the fine dining restaurant unveils a personal style of cooking marked by remarkable finesse. The restaurant's name, meaning "sage", is particularly apt, as herbs are ever-present in and set the tone for the dishes: sorrel or nettle in the starters, complemented by bay leaf oil or an infusion of verbena, rosemary and sage. Locally sourced produce, from neighbouring farmers, lies at the heart of the plant-forward menu.

This welcoming hostelry, which belonged to the chef’s great grandparents, boasts an authentic family atmosphere. After learning the ropes in prestigious restaurants, the chef has returned to his roots in the company of his wife, who hails from the southwest as you might be able to guess from her accent. A quintessential French country inn, particularly when lunching on the small patio in fine weather.

In the old town, at the foot of the Porte St Julien, this restaurant in a pretty 16C building serves cuisine for the modern palate. The chefs incorporate a smattering of exotic touches, but always have a handful of classics up their sleeve. The chicken supreme with quince, accompanied by mashed potatoes with walnuts and an amaretto-infused carcass jus is a good example. As for dessert, it is a pleasure to find a vacherin, a rum baba or a moelleux – always a failsafe option! Fine selection of wines by the glass.

Slightly out of the historic centre, you will sample seasonal family favourites tailored to today’s palates and entirely made from scratch. The chef is single-minded in his goal for flavour before all else, demonstrated by a yellow onion and camembert pie. A concise menu, seasonal produce, generous helpings and straightforward flavours. All of which in a smart, buzzy vibe in the company of numerous locals.

Here in the former capital of the Perche region, Sylvain Parisot draws inspiration from the local terroir and masters wood-fired cooking. A dish of crispy-skinned mackerel, pink at the bone, and sabayon with vin jaune perfectly illustrates the skill, sensibility and finesse of this talented young chef, who trained at renowned establishments such as L'Astrance and La Maison Lameloise. Keiko, his wife, keeps a watchful eye over the restaurant floor. A hit with foodies.

(Temporarily closed) Stéphane and Agnès Mabille greet guests warmly in their spruce, traditional inn, appointed in a rustic vein. The seasoned chef concocts homemade terrines and assorted Normandy delicacies. In fine weather, make a beeline for the garden and terrace, which overlook the horses grazing in the next-door world-famous Haras du Pin stud farm. Unstarched, friendly vibe.