Hôtel Duguesclin

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

A thoroughly charming young couple, Colleen Besseau and Corentin Augère, have set up shop in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. In a pleasant interior, Colleen provides delightful service. The chef's generous, well-executed dishes exude all the flavour of the quality ingredients with which they are made. Shining examples include gravlax trout with a rye foam, beautifully glazed with honey and vinegar, and wheat risotto with tahini and purslane. They come in the format of a small menu-carte and the bill is more than reasonable.

The restaurant's tasteful interior nicely offsets the food, which is devised by an enthusiastic and talented chef, the grandson of a baker. Meticulous cuisine, fine regional produce and culinary delights: quite simply, the best restaurant in Granville.

In Granville, Stéphane Haissant cooks up unpretentious cuisine rooted in the maritime terroir. Quality ingredients are prepared with a true understanding of their flavours: flaked pollock lifted by fruity green peppercorns, leek coulis brightened with curry oil, buckwheat seeds for a crunchy touch; roasted line-caught whiting with toasted hazelnuts, polenta with Parmesan, scallop cream flavoured with pink ginger and tender endives. In the dining room with its "modern beach hut" vibe, you feel like you are on a seaside holiday.

Just opposite the church, in the centre of the village, this house built out of regional stone and its stylish dining room are the picture of hospitality. The seasoned chef showcases the best of seasonal and regional produce: slices of andouille from Vire with apples and camembert; breast of guinea fowl, apple sauce and Crêpes suzette, flambéed in front of you. Pleasant guestrooms for overnight stays.

Mont Saint-Michel has long been a spiritual landmark, but its food scene has always had a less glowing reputation. Happily, this new restaurant, housed in the former fire station at the foot of the abbey, is now atoning for many past culinary transgressions. The seafood-focused menu celebrates seasonal, predominantly local ingredients (fish, shellfish, crustaceans) – with some meat for good measure. Beyond the expansive terrace with its breathtaking views over the bay, you come to an interior done out in wood, stone and copper.