La Gerbaudiere Chambres&Table d hôtes

This charming, rustic16C presbytery in the heart of a photogenic country village on the road to Mont Saint Michel is home to a restaurant flanked by a cottage garden. The latter provides chef Thomas Benady with plenty of produce (veg, fruit, aromatic herbs, flowers…) and inspiration for his single set surprise menu. Benady also works with small local producers and independent fishermen. You can expect a veggie-led, seafood slant presented and plated in a modern, minimalist manner and steeped in the distinctive personality and character of its author. Examples: roast Jerusalem artichoke served

Deep in the Normandy countryside, the huge forest of Andaine seems to have put down roots in this wood-rich restaurant as it nurtures and nourishes Franck Quinton’s forest-inspired cooking. His way with mushrooms is second to none: tricholoma, bearded hedgehog, blue foot or grey and yellow oyster mushrooms make guest appearances in his famous “mushroom toastie”. The surrounding woodland plays a prominent role in his cooking, as the Douglas pine used in herbal tea illustrates. A committed champion of local produce, the chef cherry-picks his ducklings, veg from down the road and creamy Gillot AO

The striking metal fretwork façade of this restaurant on the outskirts of Mayenne is well worth a gander. Once inside, you will be greeted by a tastefully understated snug dining room. It is the stomping ground of a husband-and-wife team, chef Nicolas and Isabelle Nobis, both locals, who honed their skills with Bernard Loiseau and Georges Blanc. Simplicity and natural are the hallmarks of the chef's cooking, who strives to work with plants and vegetables sourced from local producers. The regularly renewed menu reverently respects the seasons.

This restaurant with a bright, contemporary decor delivers the goods when it promises a warm welcome. Chef Gaëtan Crespin works with excellent seasonal produce, most sourced locally, to craft creative and technically on-point cuisine. A shining example comes in the form of his scallops, endive and clementine, or roast veal, parsnips and shiitake… And with excellent value for money guaranteed, it was love at first bite!

At a remove from the village, this lovely country restaurant is housed in a secluded stone building. The bucolic and refined atmosphere calls to mind an old-fashioned inn in which time has stood still: exposed beams and stonework, antique silverware, copper moulds and dried flowers. At the helm, Lénaïck Geffroy in the kitchen and Louise Lefebvre front of house celebrate a simple and authentic way of life, inspired by nature and the seasons. Their single set menu, identical for lunch and dinner and regularly updated, offers a choice between meat and vegetarian. The aromatic cuisine uses plenty

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

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.