Bayeux - Domaine Le Vivier

This restaurant in a 15C building, tucked away in a picturesque side street, is the lair of a cheerful couple, Simon and Linda Boudet. He crafts flavoursome seasonal nosh that celebrates Gallic culinary traditions. Good country cooking with the odd more contemporary touch: salmon gravlax, dill, beetroot and wasabi; chicken breast, roast apricot, polenta fries and rosemary-flavoured poultry gravy. The 100% homemade profiterole is an exquisite blend of fluffy and crunchy – to die for!

On the corner of Rue Saint Laurent and Rue des Bouchers, Luc Catherine in the kitchen and Stéphanie Amy in the dining room have brilliantly preserved the soul of this establishment, following a warm, fashionable makeover featuring bare stones and beams. Top-notch ingredients, indulgent, nostalgic recipes and artful plating are the name of the game: gazpacho of green peas with an organic poached egg; smoked pork cutlet with saté-laced risotto of noodles and a cheesecake version of Breton shortbread. Slick service and sensible prices: what’s not to like?

At Le Lion d'Or, the chef works his magic with produce sourced in Normandy that he embellishes with Asian flavours. An unexpected culinary marriage inspired by his travels in Asia, particularly Japan and Thailand. Add to this, flawless culinary technique and seasoning and you will be roaring with pleasure!

Grandiose is the term that springs to mind when describing this 18C château, set in landscaped grounds planted with Lebanese cedars and sequoias. Take a seat in one of the plush dining rooms or in the bright conservatory to savour the chef’s predominantly Normandy-focused cuisine: vegetables, cheeses, foie gras and, of course, line-caught fish.

This 18C listed stately home is framed by formal gardens set in landscaped grounds. This special occasion decor provides the perfect foil to a polished pedigree score of Gallic classics, jazzed up with personal touches in tune with the seasons of Normandy. First-class jus, sauces and craftsmanship courtesy of a virtuoso chef. Le 1715 bistro, established in the former library, serves simpler and more affordable fare.

Wood panelling, parquet floors and 18C furnishings set the swish, stylish stage. The meticulous chef draws inspiration from the château's vegetable garden and from produce sourced from small-scale suppliers. His delicate cuisine rolls out a lineup of appetising takes on Normandy produce and pleasing alliances of flavours. A few examples: slow roasted free-range chicken, shredded confit leg with pleurote mushrooms and elderflower jelly sauce; pearlescent brill, confit fennel and lobster bisque. Swish, suitably slick service. The estate’s other establishment, Le Petit Jardin, errs towards fresh,

The Château de la Chenevière bistro is housed in the old orangery and has retained its large glass roof. Nestled between the garden and the swimming pool, it is decorated in a charming "English cottage" style. Tuck into good seasonal bistronomy fare: low temperature egg, cream of celery, cockles, samphire and wholegrain mustard; goat cheese risotto, snow peas, mushrooms and garlic cream.