L'ÉVIDENCE

It would be hard to find a more rural location than this old mill on the banks of a pond and tucked away deep in the countryside! Chef Gaspard Noury, a local lad, devises a modern bistro score comprised of generous mains (e.g. fork-tender confit beef cheeks with carrots and potatoes) and wickedly enticing desserts (pear and quince crumble with fresh country cream). Soak up the warm, laid-back atmosphere as you gaze out over the meadows from the lovely terrace.

This restaurant, which immediately draws the eye with its appealing half-timbered façade, is a tried-and-tested favourite with diners. Originally from Normandy, chef Xavier Buzieux has been turning out generous, accomplished home-style cooking for nearly 30 years, attentive to the seasons and local producers. Its success continues unabated, thanks in no small part to its droves of regulars and warm and friendly atmosphere.

In the heart of the medieval town of Verneuil-d'Avre-et-d'Iton, Le Madeleine, run by chef Cyril Coutin, is a charming restaurant in which the old – stonework and exposed beams – meets the new: think contemporary emerald-green feature wall. Normandy's terroir takes centre stage in the food, a feature of which is the use of aged cuts of meat. Friendly, smiling service.

A young couple, who previously worked at Anne-Sophie Pic (most notably), have set up shop in the countryside, in this traditional half-timbered house with bags of character. They bring a breath of modernity to a menu based on ingredients from the Normandy terroir. The chef likes to punctuate his dishes with small, original touches that are pleasant surprises for the diner. A warm welcome and attentive service.

Amandine Chaignot has breathed new life into this inn, in which centuries-old beams meet modern concrete. While the bistro has energised this village deep in the Perche region, the fine dining restaurant unveils a personal style of cooking marked by remarkable finesse. The restaurant's name, meaning "sage", is particularly apt, as herbs are ever-present in and set the tone for the dishes: sorrel or nettle in the starters, complemented by bay leaf oil or an infusion of verbena, rosemary and sage. Locally sourced produce, from neighbouring farmers, lies at the heart of the plant-forward menu.

The country annexe of Paris's Septime. Come to enjoy enduring, seasonal and rustic cuisine that is rooted in its surroundings, drawing solely on quality produce from the nearby markets (in Sarthe and Normandy) and, to a lesser extent, what is harvested in the farm's vegetable garden. The tastefully decorated dining room exudes rustic chic. In the same spirit, a few guestrooms extend an invitation to linger a little on this wooded hill in the Perche region, with its fruit trees, hives, and even a sauna overlooking the natural surroundings. A laudable initiative.

(Temporarily closed) Stéphane and Agnès Mabille greet guests warmly in their spruce, traditional inn, appointed in a rustic vein. The seasoned chef concocts homemade terrines and assorted Normandy delicacies. In fine weather, make a beeline for the garden and terrace, which overlook the horses grazing in the next-door world-famous Haras du Pin stud farm. Unstarched, friendly vibe.