B&B Ferme de La Rouzannerie pour 2 ou famille

Le Grand Monarque, which is home to Le Georges, has withstood the test of time – the hotel’s first mention in the Michelin Guide dates back to 1900! This elegantly appointed establishment is ideally located between Paris and the Loire at a crossroads between the regions of western France. Thomas Parnaud has steadfastly remained true to his mission of shining the spotlight on local producers who respect the environment as he deploys a top-to-tail ethos. Examples include Perche pike with Eure-et-Loir mushrooms and house-made fish garum, or Racan chicken, seasonal endive and kumquat. It would be

A military barracks under Napoleon III, the site has since been converted into a restaurant, where chef Ludovic Brethenoux brings in the big guns. Originally from Périgord, he trained, most notably, at La Villa Madie in Cassis. His affinity with the Vendômois area is evident in his precise and refined contemporary cuisine. A real treat.

In the old town, at the foot of the Porte St Julien, this restaurant in a pretty 16C building serves cuisine for the modern palate. The chefs incorporate a smattering of exotic touches, but always have a handful of classics up their sleeve. The chicken supreme with quince, accompanied by mashed potatoes with walnuts and an amaretto-infused carcass jus is a good example. As for dessert, it is a pleasure to find a vacherin, a rum baba or a moelleux – always a failsafe option! Fine selection of wines by the glass.

On the banks of the Loir, this bistro adjoins the bridge that leads to the old town. The chef swears by short supply chains and puts the seasons firmly in the spotlight in his cooking, which is accompanied by carefully chosen natural wines. When the weather is fine, head for the two terraces, one of which is on the first floor, overlooking the river. Delightful.

In the heart of the medieval city, this eatery, taken over by a talented duo (ex L’Hibiscus in Orléans), focuses on carefully crafted recipes rooted in local produce: trout, white asparagus, wild garlic seasoning and asparagus sabayon. Timeless traditional interior and a lovely patio for alfresco dining.

A short walk from the city centre, in the suburbs of Chartres, the husband-and-wife team behind Terra (he is an Italian chef and she is a South African pastry chef) extend an invitation to join them on a culinary journey. The excellent and quintessentially Italian cuisine is served in a friendly atmosphere – the fiorentina-style cannelloni stuffed with veal and spinach and the house parmesan sauce is delicious!

The luminous, high - ceilinged interior is decorated in the manner of a contemporary bistro. The same concept extends to the menu, without forgetting tradition and a distinct fondness for charcoal - fired preparations – rib of beef, steak, andouillette, tuna and sole, all of which are cooked directly in the dining room. Simple and generous.