Logis du Lièvre d'or

You only have to take a look at chef Jérôme Roy’s star-studded CV (Gagnaire and Troisgros, together with a star earned at the Couvent des Minimes at Mane) to know he has an ambitious roadmap! Born in Loches, he has returned to his roots in the company of his spouse, and together they have created this smart, trendy venue. Roy deftly crafts modern, creative fare that keeps pace with the seasons and is meticulously sourced: sautéed scallops in a stock of the scallop frills, dried lime and Aleppo pepper; lamb in provençal herbs, artichoke and samphire; segments of pink grapefruit marinated in spi

Balzac was a regular guest at the Château de Saché, located right next door to this Auberge housed in a half-timbered building that has retained all its authentic charm behind its ivy-covered façade. Exposed beams, tiled floors, a fireplace and more contemporary tableware: this pair – chef Kevin Gardien and Stéphanie Marques – know how to look after their guests. The spotlight is on local produce from the Loire: poultry from Ingrandes-de-Touraine, trout from a fish farm in Langeais, saffron from Cheillé, cheese from Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. The chef's cuisine is modern, but not obsessed with

A restored farmstead nestling in the midst of sprawling private woodland houses an unconventional property guided by foraging. Wild plants are picked on the estate and the veggies are from the permaculture cottage garden and neighbouring organic farm, acquired by the owners, all of which sets the scene for unexpected creative cuisine. The dining room is wood-rich, while lodges on stilts and artwork set the scene outdoors. The single set several course menu may include green pea and wild sorrel ice cream, flame-licked mackerel and buds of wild brambles or foie gras wrapped in woodland smartweed

Chef Pierre Drouineau, who hails from Sarthe (near Le Mans), runs this restaurant at the entrance to an attractive fortified priory, the jewel in the crown of this charming country village. Both the setting and the food are a delight, thanks in particular to the wealth of local ingredients: Touraine lentils, spelt from Manthelan, strawberries from Chouzé-sur-Loire. Think modern bistro cuisine, simple and flavoursome, in the form of dishes such as fillet of duck, roasted crisps, new potatoes from Louans and carrot ketchup – a creation that is packed with distinct flavours.

This pretty little manor house on the outskirts of town has recently been refurbished and modernised, all the way from the decoration to the kitchens, the domain of chef Maximilien Bridier. Taking an enthusiastic approach to high-quality ingredients, he presents elegant, precise dishes with no frills. Without fail, the menu features a vegetarian option. There is a fine selection of wines by the glass, and the service is attentive. Sit out on the terrace on warm days.

This quaint historic village is the lair of a self-taught couple, who sources their organic ingredients entirely locally thus enabling them to develop close ties with producers. The gutsy result demonstrates a weakness for veggies and fermentation illustrated by vegetarian black pudding paired with apple and black garlic pickles, although the menu also features a sprinkling of meat and fish dishes. A delightful patio shaded by linden trees in fine weather and swish, slick service complete the portrait.

The name of the restaurant means "blackthorn" – a thorny shrub or tree commonly found in the hedgerows of France. Its fruit (sloes) can be turned into sloe gin. Formerly a school dating back to 1866, the premises are tastefully decorated throughout: exposed ceiling beams, large windows giving onto a tree-lined terrace, designer lighting and works of art. The chef offers a seasonal menu served in several courses that celebrates local produce and artisans.