Centre-Val-de-Loire, France

Christophe Hay's second restaurant is named after a species of carp. It is located on the first floor of a modern extension slightly set back from the original building. This inviting wood-panelled and light-filled interior, with its large bay windows looking out over the Loire, immediately works its magic. The chef of Fleur de Loire gives free rein to his passion for Loire ingredients (local cheeses, géline de Touraine heirloom poultry, fried small fish and mullet from the River Loire, lamb and caviar from the Sologne), but also Wagyu beef from his own farm. In short, fine ingredients treated with care to create dishes that tend towards the classical.

Arbore & Sens

Assisted front of house by sommelier Océane (his partner), Clément Dumont, a young chef from the region with some solid experience, has made this restaurant not far from the Royal Citadel the new place to be. An inspired technician with a love of plants and the seasons, he cooks up creative, at times bold cuisine that is inspired by the village, Loire poultry and fish, and of course the goat's cheese, vegetables from his own kitchen garden, and herbs picked by small-scale grower Juliette Krier. One example is the starter based on white asparagus from the Richelais area, preserved egg yolk, elderberry and sake. A pleasant terrace in the shade of the wisteria.

A restored farmstead nestling in the midst of sprawling private woodland houses an unconventional property guided by foraging. Wild plants are picked on the estate and the veggies are from the permaculture cottage garden and neighbouring organic farm, acquired by the owners, all of which sets the scene for unexpected creative cuisine. The dining room is wood-rich, while lodges on stilts and artwork set the scene outdoors. The single set several course menu may include green pea and wild sorrel ice cream, flame-licked mackerel and buds of wild brambles or foie gras wrapped in woodland smartweed… A culinary stroll through the scents and flavours of the woods.

Assa

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 bean paste are harmoniously combined with ingredients that are painstakingly sourced from local (less than 20 minutes away) producers (among whom Masato Fujisaki, who grows Asian veggies and has been a partner of the restaurant for many a year).

Japan boasts two museums devoted to the cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who created the famous lovers in 1942, immortalised by a postage stamp. Some of his Japanese admirers thus naturally chose the small village of Saint Valentin to celebrate February 14 in culinary style. In a stripped-back, contemporary interior, graced with posters and lithographs by Peynet, a 100% Japanese brigade conjures up a subtle new take on modern Gallic fare, scattered with delicate Japanese notes.

In this plush restaurant on an island in the River Vienne, chef Pierre Koniecko rustles up recipes that are both tasty and generous, such as his medley of lamb (grilled chop and saddle, confit shoulder pastilla). In summertime, the teak deck patio by the riverside is an undeniable draw!

A friendly inviting inn established at the foot of the castle of Montpoupon. The interior sports a fashionable patchwork of rustic (bare stone and beams) and contemporary details, while the menu takes you on a gourmet tour of the Val de Loire’s succulent produce. Prices that make sense and a terrace with a view of the castle.

Auberge des Templiers

Some things never go out of fashion… The oldest stone walls of this quintessential Sologne coaching inn with a half-timbered, pink brick façade date back to the 17C. Former patrons include the likes of French stars Mistinguett and Maurice Chevalier. Settle in at your table in this timeless setting of solid oak beams, Gien earthenware and crystal, with a view onto the magnificent grounds planted with century-old trees. The chef cooks classics and dishes that smack of modern inspiration, whether using fish and seafood or meat – he has a penchant for game. Home to some exceptional vintages, the sumptuous wine cellar has surprises in store for the most discerning of palates.

Housed in a converted coaching inn built in 1786, this 100-year-old family-run restaurant sticks to the well-trodden path of cooking with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Chef Antoine Jeudi, now assisted by Julien Perrodin, certainly knows his stuff, and his flavoursome dishes go down a treat with your choice from an appealing wine selection. Thanks to the small kitchen garden, there is also a vegetable-forward set menu that includes, most notably, tomato stuffed with Touraine vegetables, fresh herb coulis and chickpea cream. Along with a charming setting, it all makes for a pleasant meal.

Auberge du XIIème Siècle

Balzac was a regular guest at the Château de Saché, located right next door to this Auberge housed in a half-timbered building that has retained all its authentic charm behind its ivy-covered façade. Exposed beams, tiled floors, a fireplace and more contemporary tableware: this pair – chef Kevin Gardien and Stéphanie Marques – know how to look after their guests. The spotlight is on local produce from the Loire: poultry from Ingrandes-de-Touraine, trout from a fish farm in Langeais, saffron from Cheillé, cheese from Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. The chef's cuisine is modern, but not obsessed with fashion, and his dishes are clear and delicious, with lovely sauces such as the one accompanying the Racan pigeon with beetroot in a salt crust, blackcurrant and rose geranium.

Auberge Pom'Poire

This contemporary restaurant surrounded by orchards has a bright, welcoming, clean-lined dining area that looks onto the surrounding countryside. Full of verve and creativity, Bastien Gillet's colourful, zesty cuisine is as subtle as it is finely judged, both in terms of the aromas and the textures; his dishes, laden with top-notch farm produce from the region, are rife with flavours. And the detail to seal the deal: the dishes are served in delightful crockery that is handmade locally. The menu is liable to change daily, in accordance with the chef's inspiration. Suffice to say, this restaurant that pushes the boundaries with delicious fare has plenty to recommend it, so why not take a bite?

The couple at the head of this pleasant inn in a small village near Valençay can be relied upon to whip up amazing food; everything is homemade and the chef favours regional ingredients to concoct his delicate, toothsome recipes. Served in a charming rustic interior or alfresco on the flower-decked terrace in fine weather. The establishment’s success and excellent value for money mean that bookings are essential.