Center Parcs Les Bois-Francs

It would be hard to find a more rural location than this old mill on the banks of a pond and tucked away deep in the countryside! Chef Gaspard Noury, a local lad, devises a modern bistro score comprised of generous mains (e.g. fork-tender confit beef cheeks with carrots and potatoes) and wickedly enticing desserts (pear and quince crumble with fresh country cream). Soak up the warm, laid-back atmosphere as you gaze out over the meadows from the lovely terrace.

A gorgeous country house smothered in Virginia Creeper, a waterside terrace shaded by birch trees and an historic mill, whose cogwheels are still intact: we fell in love with this Instagram-perfect picture of the French countryside outside Bernay. Such is the perfect foil for chef Cédric Auger’s cuisine that stars fresh, premium, seasonal produce. Book a room and stay overnight.

This restaurant, which immediately draws the eye with its appealing half-timbered façade, is a tried-and-tested favourite with diners. Originally from Normandy, chef Xavier Buzieux has been turning out generous, accomplished home-style cooking for nearly 30 years, attentive to the seasons and local producers. Its success continues unabated, thanks in no small part to its droves of regulars and warm and friendly atmosphere.

The country annexe of Paris's Septime. Come to enjoy enduring, seasonal and rustic cuisine that is rooted in its surroundings, drawing solely on quality produce from the nearby markets (in Sarthe and Normandy) and, to a lesser extent, what is harvested in the farm's vegetable garden. The tastefully decorated dining room exudes rustic chic. In the same spirit, a few guestrooms extend an invitation to linger a little on this wooded hill in the Perche region, with its fruit trees, hives, and even a sauna overlooking the natural surroundings. A laudable initiative.

Amandine Chaignot has breathed new life into this inn, in which centuries-old beams meet modern concrete. While the bistro has energised this village deep in the Perche region, the fine dining restaurant unveils a personal style of cooking marked by remarkable finesse. The restaurant's name, meaning "sage", is particularly apt, as herbs are ever-present in and set the tone for the dishes: sorrel or nettle in the starters, complemented by bay leaf oil or an infusion of verbena, rosemary and sage. Locally sourced produce, from neighbouring farmers, lies at the heart of the plant-forward menu.

This welcoming hostelry, which belonged to the chef’s great grandparents, boasts an authentic family atmosphere. After learning the ropes in prestigious restaurants, the chef has returned to his roots in the company of his wife, who hails from the southwest as you might be able to guess from her accent. A quintessential French country inn, particularly when lunching on the small patio in fine weather.

The name is a passing nod to an ode composed by Victor Hugo in this very inn back in 1821. The hearty and unapologetically rustic food is inspired by the seasons and showcases local produce, particularly vegetables and aromatic herbs. Save room for the dessert, a warm soufflé, whose flavour varies according to the season.