La Maison Carpe Diem

Rediscover the green fields of Normandy, admire the horses at the neighbouring stud farm, dream of country living: this authentic half-timbered farmhouse is so pretty that it will make even the most die-hard city-dweller want to retire to the countryside. Calves, cows, pigs and traditional culinary treats await – truffle ravioli with a wild mushroom cream sauce; caramelised fruit tarte fine; not to mention the beef cooked over a wood fire. No sooner have you left than you're longing to return to these tempting rustic-style dishes.

A stone's throw from the River Eure, this modern restaurant showcases the talents of chef Valentin Harou and pastry chef Alice Picard, both of whom trained at prestigious establishments such as Le Meurice, Le K2 and L'Oiseau Blanc. Their cuisine aligns with the seasons and makes the most of local produce, particularly by drawing ingredients from the chef's father's vegetable garden and a permaculture farm. This meticulous sourcing pays tribute to Normandy's terroir through creative dishes incorporating nods to the producers.

The name may evoke Normandy and its apples, and it may have a half-timbered façade that is typical of the region, but that's where the cliché ends! Inside you will encounter a very contemporary decor, with a bright dining area with large picture windows affording views out over the garden. The dishes, which showcase local producers, include carpaccio of scallops from Normandy, poached monkfish with a coulis of watercress from Cailly-sur-Eure, and farm-raised veal chop casserole.

This small village inn with a buzzy modern streak has been run by the same couple for over 25 years. As enthusiastic as ever, chef Éric Georget rustles up generous, modern cuisine that makes the mouth water, presented in a set and à la carte menus. Painstakingly selected produce goes into dishes that are packed with flavour: gravlax of Scottish salmon and medley of beetroot; Black Angus flank steak and a voatsiperifery pepper sauce. Pleasant terrace and guestrooms for overnight stays.

This rustic - style neo - bistro has bags of character, with its exposed beams, brickwork and a pretty terrace in the cobbled courtyard. It serves bistro - style food squarely focused on the terroir: what are you waiting for?

From its location on the banks of the Seine, this restaurant overlooks the limestone cliffs of Giverny and the passing barges. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you in a pleasant interior with polished concrete floors, whitewashed walls and vintage bistro furniture. Gabin Rodes, a young chef from Vernon who trained at Éric Guérin's La Mare aux Oiseaux, revisits bistro classics without compromising their character, a case in point being leeks in vinaigrette tweaked with coriander and black garlic. A strong commitment to using local produce means ingredients are sourced from within a 100km radius. T