Maison d'Hôtes La Prévôté

In a Charente village nestled in a pine forest, this modernised inn has retained the country charm of its former vocation and feels convivial. The chef cooks alongside his daughter, a pastry chef, while his wife ensures diners receive a warm welcome. The menu showcases top-notch ingredients: foie gras from South-West France and apple millefeuille; veal chop with aubergine caviar, Comté cromesquis… The bistro serves simpler fare.

Opposite the village's small railway station, an elegant Bordeaux-stone building now houses a refined trattoria. Chef and owner Pierre Rigothier has waved goodbye to Lune and its bistronomy cooking to usher in the cuisine of Italy (a passion of his) in a cosy, retro-style setting – honey-coloured stone walls, a solid wood table d'hôte and cane seats with velvet upholstering. The apparent simplicity of the cuisine belies the rigorous and skilful cooking and seasoning that goes into it, whether vitello tonnato or the perfect risotto. Reflecting true know-how, the menu is quite varied and serves

At the helm are Kendji Wongsodikromo, originally from New Caledonia, and his wife Nadège, who attentively manages the restaurant floor. In an unadorned building of the characteristic sandy hue of local stone with large bay windows, the chef cooks up colourful modern cuisine inspired by the market. Both local and international influences can be detected: coconut-ginger-verbena ceviche of dolfinfish, tomato-Espelette pepper sorbet, young rabbit terrine with garden herbs.

This neo-Romantic château built in 1902 lies in the heart of the Saint-Émilion vineyards. It blends a time-honoured setting with contemporary design and diners sit either in the Art Nouveau-inspired lounges or on the beautiful terrace that looks out over the grounds and a sea of vines. At lunchtime, bistronomy dishes such as crispy duck, finely puréed sweet potato and roasted hazelnuts are served. The dinner menu features more ambitious cuisine (roasted veal sweetbreads with Bordeaux butter, a medley of carrots and their tops, cardamom jus).