Domaine du Perche Bellêmois

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.

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.

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.

Sven Chartier and his wife Marianne have built their new nest in this tiny Perche village, opposite a church several centuries old. Far from the madding crowd, the chef is flourishing in this country chic setting, pampering diners with wholesome fare that respects tradition: scallops, almond milk, cauliflower and citron; crispy chuck steak. Culinary precision meets comfort food…