Chateau de la Lucazière

Sarthois born and bred, chef Jean-Sébastien Monné is originally from these parts. He presides over this former inn in which the industrial style of a light-filled metal-framed extension meets the bucolic charm of the garden and terrace. He cultivates the art of working with small local producers and is devoted to the joys of rooftop beekeeping. Thanks to the meticulous work that goes into the selection of impeccable-quality ingredients, he is able to put his own more modern spin on the classics: Angus beef prepared as a tartare, breaded and fried quail's egg, puffed potato; duck from Canard So

Deep in the Normandy countryside, the huge forest of Andaine seems to have put down roots in this wood-rich restaurant as it nurtures and nourishes Franck Quinton’s forest-inspired cooking. His way with mushrooms is second to none: tricholoma, bearded hedgehog, blue foot or grey and yellow oyster mushrooms make guest appearances in his famous “mushroom toastie”. The surrounding woodland plays a prominent role in his cooking, as the Douglas pine used in herbal tea illustrates. A committed champion of local produce, the chef cherry-picks his ducklings, veg from down the road and creamy Gillot AO

This restaurant with a bright, contemporary decor delivers the goods when it promises a warm welcome. Chef Gaëtan Crespin works with excellent seasonal produce, most sourced locally, to craft creative and technically on-point cuisine. A shining example comes in the form of his scallops, endive and clementine, or roast veal, parsnips and shiitake… And with excellent value for money guaranteed, it was love at first bite!

Slightly out of the historic centre, you will sample seasonal family favourites tailored to today’s palates and entirely made from scratch. The chef is single-minded in his goal for flavour before all else, demonstrated by a yellow onion and camembert pie. A concise menu, seasonal produce, generous helpings and straightforward flavours. All of which in a smart, buzzy vibe in the company of numerous locals.

Sit out on the pleasant terrace set up in the garden, on the banks of the River Vègre, and treat yourself to a fine dining interlude courtesy of the chef's cooking, which is always in touch with the seasons. The contemporary dishes, which are deliberate and meticulous, make use of the finest local ingredients, including supreme of Loué chicken stuffed with onions and morel mushrooms, first-harvest vegetables and a creamy poultry jus. La Table du Coq, the hotel's second restaurant, serves simpler fare.

At the entrance to medieval Le Mans, the team of this former salt loft has one goal in life: to please themselves and their customers! A contemporary vibe and top-quality ingredients (lobster, turbot, foie gras) with bold, authentic flavours, all of which washed down with a fine selection of Rhône, Loire and Bordeaux tipples.

Luc Revert, a young chef from Le Mans, has returned to his roots after several years in the South of France and then in Paris, notably at Frédéric Simonin. The chef's generous and straightforward cooking is a joy. The small menu of carefully prepared dishes revolves around quality ingredients. The beef fillet is a good example of his style: tender grilled meat, soft gnocchi, a balanced garlic cream, black garlic condiment, rich jus and fragrant lovage oil. The clementine tartlet impresses with its crispy pastry, creamy yuzu-tarragon filling and vibrant clementine sorbet. Friendly and professio