Hôtel Cositel, CIT'HOTEL Coutances

A steadfast champion of his native Manche, intrepid chef, Philippe Hardy, boasts stints in prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants and in the kitchen of the French ambassador in Sofia. It was there that he met his wife, Nadia, a former prima ballerina. Together they have transformed this girls' boarding school into a peaceful boutique hotel-restaurant surrounded by a flower and cottage garden planted with farmer seeds. The delicately crafted, seafood-led menu of wild fish and shellfish can be matched with tea-wine-food or tea-sake-food pairings, even a Gong fu cha tea ceremony.

In this picturesque village bistro complete with a wine shop, chef Lionel Cotentin (what a coincidence!) draws on his strong culinary background and premium local produce – organic market garden vegetables, small-scale fishing – to whip up a concise, seasonal menu. The cuisine is modern, meticulous and forthright: home-smoked mackerel, stracciatella and basil-flavoured olive oil sauce; loin of ling, Carnaroli risotto and beurre blanc. Cheerful, spot on service and sensible prices.

Tasty wholesome food crafted from top-notch local produce at eater-friendly prices: such is the pledge of the Lefèvre couple who runs this welcoming inn built out of local stone – formerly the village bar and grocery shop. A bright, trendy interior with a pleasant alfresco space for sunny days and a rotisserie in the hall that fills the dining room with the enticing aromas of dishes of the day such as chicken colombo.

Just a stone's throw from the romantic ruins of Hambye Abbey, this welcoming hotel-restaurant run by an endearing couple is a hit with the locals. The tastefully restored interior sports a colourful vibe with a fireplace in winter and a large terrace overlooking the Sienne come summertime. The chef, who learned the trade here before moving on to other prestigious establishments, has returned to his roots, producing tasty, no-frills cuisine that draws upon his solid classical background, illustrated by risotto of Pont l'Évêque cheese, andouille sausage, a hint of cider vinegar and a crunchy cra