Chambres d'Hotes au Pays de Valencay en Berry

Marie-Christine and Didier Clément have successfully enhanced Sologne’s pastoral universe in their historic regional gourmet landmark thanks to some fabulous restoration work. The Offard house was entrusted with creating an incredible natural, ‘rural’ interior out of “stone cardboard”, an 18C handicraft about which chef Didier Clément is passionate. The food embodies a gourmet interpretation of the countryside, courtesy of the chef’s research into forgotten herbs and spices: grains of paradise, sand leek, angelica and lemon thyme. Clément signs a patriotic lineup, free of unnecessary frills an

In the heart of a wooded estate, this venue sets the scene for a culinary experience that is both delicate and daring under the auspices of Pierre Frindel, formerly at Sources de Caudalie. The chef delicately crafts local and less local produce, deploying his consummate skill and subtle creativity. Each dish strikes an accomplished, harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, depicted by a breast of Bresse poultry, melt-in-the-mouth aubergine, smoked caviar and crunchy confit leg, underscored by a saffron jus, or by John Dory in nasturtium oil. Spot-on cooking, elegant plating and a di

Just opposite their former establishment, Alice and Alexis Letellier are writing a new chapter at Granica. In a stylish, modern setting whose raftered ceiling bears witness to the premises’ former vocation as a barn, the couple is going from strength to strength in their new HQ. The chef deftly crafts a delicate, spot-on score in which premium ingredients are subtly garnished with fresh garden herbs. A set, several-course menu, razor-precision cooking, full-bodied gravies and sauces and elegant plating set the scene. Alice, your sommelier and in charge of the front of house, plies diners with

Assisted front of house by sommelier Océane (his partner), Clément Dumont, a young chef from the region with some solid experience, has made this restaurant not far from the Royal Citadel the new place to be. An inspired technician with a love of plants and the seasons, he cooks up creative, at times bold cuisine that is inspired by the village, Loire poultry and fish, and of course the goat's cheese, vegetables from his own kitchen garden, and herbs picked by small-scale grower Juliette Krier. One example is the starter based on white asparagus from the Richelais area, preserved egg yolk, eld

Christophe Hay's restaurant is housed in a 17C stone-built hospice on the banks of the Loire, overlooking the river that is his primary inspiration. Giving onto the kitchens, the elegant dining room is adorned with decor that evokes the chef's culinary world. He rolls out his repertoire, from signature dishes to original creations, which are notable for their lightness and flavour, but also their textures. Every plate is an ode to the Loire Valley, drawing on its Ossietra caviar from Sologne, wild-caught Loire perch, vegetables from the kitchen garden, Touraine guinea fowl, Chambord venison, W

This restaurant is housed in a converted 19C coaching inn opposite the medieval castle. A tight-knit chef and sommelier duo are at the helm, pooling their gourmet skills. The chef carefully prepares local ingredients and freshly caught fish to create mouth-watering dishes, such as Roi Rose de Touraine pork, perfectly confit, packed with sweet and savoury flavours and served with delicious pak choi steamed then flash-seared over a flame. As you will see, there's a lot of work involved; apart from the wonderful bread from the local baker, everything from the amuse-bouche to the dessert is beauti

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