Les Tourterelles

Christophe Hay's restaurant is housed in a 17C stone-built hospice on the banks of the Loire, overlooking the river that is his primary inspiration. Giving onto the kitchens, the elegant dining room is adorned with decor that evokes the chef's culinary world. He rolls out his repertoire, from signature dishes to original creations, which are notable for their lightness and flavour, but also their textures. Every plate is an ode to the Loire Valley, drawing on its Ossietra caviar from Sologne, wild-caught Loire perch, vegetables from the kitchen garden, Touraine guinea fowl, Chambord venison, W

In the colourful, contemporary interior with its large glass façade, or on the terrace in the leafy garden, tuck into the chef's well-crafted dishes concocted with the finest ingredients. Gribiche-style head cheese, pan-fried beef and crumbled offal, small pot of cream and a madeleine… Appealing to the palate, it's also easy on the wallet. Comfortable and colourful guestrooms are available, should you wish to prolong your stay.

Anthony and Fumiko Maubert have set up shop in the heart of Blois, while awaiting the refurbishment of their establishment on the banks of the Loire. For a long time, Anthony worked alongside Arnaud Donckele (La Vague d'Or), while Fumiko has a twin vocation of nutritionist and pastry chef - her creations stand out for their delicacy and low added sugar. Every morning (“assa” in Japanese), the couple devises the daily menu together, drawing on produce of impeccable quality and numerous Japanese seasonings and ingredients. Sansho berries, wild yuzu, nori seaweed broth, matcha tea and azuki red b

Nicolas Aubry, previously Christophe Hay's executive chef, has now taken over the reins of his mentor's restaurant. The decor has not been changed and it is a pleasure to be back in this modern space with a view into the kitchen. Organised into single set menus that take their cue from the seasons and from produce sourced in the Loire region, the finely crafted dishes are expressions of his delicate cuisine, which may be subtle but has bags of personality.

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.

Just opposite their former establishment, Alice and Alexis Letellier are writing a new chapter at Granica. In a stylish, modern setting whose raftered ceiling bears witness to the premises’ former vocation as a barn, the couple is going from strength to strength in their new HQ. The chef deftly crafts a delicate, spot-on score in which premium ingredients are subtly garnished with fresh garden herbs. A set, several-course menu, razor-precision cooking, full-bodied gravies and sauces and elegant plating set the scene. Alice, your sommelier and in charge of the front of house, plies diners with

Upstream from Amboise, on the south bank of the Loire, this medieval castle with two massive towers, remodelled during the Renaissance, cannot fail but catch the eye. The edifice peacefully presides over vast formal grounds and staunchly upholds the Loire’s gracious art de vivre. The orangery, part of which is built into the rocky hillside, is the epitome of elegant, and on sunny days it is a treat to sit on the pleasant terrace overlooking the gardens. Chef Arnaud Philippon's cuisine flirts with the zeitgeist: pressed young goat and foie gras, pied bleu mushrooms, wild garlic and mango and co