Moulin De Bacchus

Hervé and Patricia Chardonneau, a couple of foodies formerly of Casse-Cailloux in Tours, have set up shop in the heart of a wine-growing village. Hervé crafts a hearty, wholesome lineup of traditional French nosh, together with game in season: hare à la royale (a sort of jugged hare), a game pie (oreiller de la belle Aurore), lamb’s brains... His bistronomic approach draws its inspiration from the seasons. Fine wine list with a focus on organic and natural wines. Separate wine bar.

The troglodyte dining room, wood burning fire in winter and the terrace shaded by a wisteria in fine weather are just a few of the discreet appeals of this charming establishment. The cuisine is tasty and wholesome, based on local produce and served with Loire wines. Booking advisable.

After a major refurbishment, the classical grandeur and former lustre of this majestic 18C manor house, whose beautiful troglodytic guestrooms are built directly into the tufa cliff, have been restored. The chef crafts a score that showcases top-notch produce (langoustine, foie gras, lobster, sweetbread), consummately and flawlessly. The terrace overlooking the river is simply divine!

Liberté is synonymous with the freedom to enjoy good, very good food! In the former station hotel, Romain Thevenon, born in Chinon, signs a seasonal score that celebrates the region. With his wife Nadège, in the front-of-house, he finds inspiration in the next-door herb garden and in the wild plants growing nearby. From the sourdough bread to the smoked butter and ice cream, everything is made from scratch. Tomatoes in garden herbs, cherry and grilled rapeseed dressing; Rouge des près steak, aubergine mousseline and a punchy gravy; an extravagant tarragon-laced crème brûlée with a grassy, cher