Manoir de Chaix

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.

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

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

Chef Pierre Drouineau, who hails from Sarthe (near Le Mans), runs this restaurant at the entrance to an attractive fortified priory, the jewel in the crown of this charming country village. Both the setting and the food are a delight, thanks in particular to the wealth of local ingredients: Touraine lentils, spelt from Manthelan, strawberries from Chouzé-sur-Loire. Think modern bistro cuisine, simple and flavoursome, in the form of dishes such as fillet of duck, roasted crisps, new potatoes from Louans and carrot ketchup – a creation that is packed with distinct flavours.

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

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.

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