St-Émilion
Talented young chefs Camille Brouillard and Soufiane Assarrar both previously worked with Michelin-starred chefs before opening their own restaurant, and…
Must-see restaurants in Atlantic Coast
Île de Ré
No trip to St-Martin-de-Ré is complete without an ice-cream cone from this glacier extraordinaire. There are between 250 and 300 incredible flavours to…
Gironde
Feast on stunning views of the Dune du Pilat and fresh oysters farmed by sixth-generation ostréiculteur Denis Bellocq at this traditional white wood house…
Nantes
Follow locals to the iconic bistro of 'chef magicien' Christophe François, who runs this hugely successful locavore address with his wife Véronique…
Poitiers
Be prepared to dine extremely well at this brilliant modern bistro. Chef Grégory Delhaie roots his cuisine firmly in French tradition, infused with a…
Île de Ré
For an authentic taste of island life, spurn St-Martin's portside restaurants and pick up the cycling path to Ars-en-Ré – on foot or by bike. Within…
Atlantic Coast
Well away from the tourist crowd, across the river, Poulpette is a deliciously urban neobistro with a faintly industrial decor showcasing local…
Bordeaux
When the urge for more refined dining strikes, reserve a table at this gourmet address in Saint-Pierre with talented chef David Grangier in the kitchen…
Bordeaux
At home in a waterfront hangar opposite La Cité du Vin, this gleaming state-of-the-art market hall is a fantastic spot to grab a quick gourmet bite. Some…
Atlantic Coast
This gastronomic haven is set among orchards overlooking the River Charente, in the tiny village of Bourg-Charente (midway between Cognac and Jarnac)…
Bordeaux
Locals can't get enough of this candlelit trattoria with summer terrace on Chartron's main street. Meal-sized salads bursting with grilled aubergines,…
Bordeaux
To dine with a bird's-eye view of the industrial port, river and city beyond, head up to this dazzling mirage of glass, steel and gold on the 7th floor of…
Bordeaux
'In Brunch We Trust' is the strapline of this brilliant address serving indulgent breakfast and brunch all day. Be it homemade granola, pancakes, lavish…
Bordeaux
There's never a dull moment at this buzzing neighbourhood bistro with quintessential retro interior and obligatory line-up of grass-green metal chairs…
Nantes
There is no denying the city's Breton roots with crêpes and galettes de blé noir (savoury crêpes made with organic buckwheat flour) like this. Both come…
Bordeaux
This tiny but colourful taquería heaves with students feasting on its excellent-value, seriously authentic tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes…
Poitiers
Lap up local life at this fabulous industrial-styled lounge restaurant with zinc bar, scrubbed ginger-brick walls and a vintage curiosities collection…
St-Émilion
Nathalie only cooks up a couple of different tarts, samosas and other savoury dishes each day, but her homemade cooking oozes soul and seasonal products…
Bordeaux
Named after the cinema that animated the 'hood in the 1920s, Familia is a large, light-flooded eatery across the street from Bordeaux's La Cité du Vin…
Bordeaux
The Oyster Box is the best place in Bordeaux to munch on fresh Arcachon oysters. Traditionally they're served with sausage but you can have them in a…
Bordeaux
This ‘cantine fraîche’ – named after the simple wooden crates veg usually come in – lives up to its promise. Midweek dishes and weekend brunch are packed…
Bordeaux
The stark, chocolate-brown façade of Raviolon might be plain, but the modern French cuisine of young chef Cassard Stanislas is certainly not. His…
Poitiers
Good old-fashioned home cooking is what this third-generation auberge (inn) is all about: think bœuf bourguignon, poule au pot (chicken hot pot) and other…
Bordeaux
This contemporary fromagerie (cheese shop) sends out its dégustation (tasting platters) to be enjoyed in situ with a glass of wine. Four generations of…
Nantes
Nantais chef Alain Ruffault practically grew up in his parent's boucherie (butcher's shop), today a smart gastronomic bistro with soft-hued colour palette…
Bordeaux
The smell of freshly baked bread is irresistible at this hole-in-the-wall bakery, run by Hungarian baker Andras Csuha near the Grosse Cloche belfry. His…
Bordeaux
Crete's Mediterranean kitchen is the inspiration for this casual eatery with bar-stool and shared-table seating. Select several mezzés (starters) such as…
Nantes
Crisp white walls frame this minimalist bistrot à vin, very much a drinking-dining hybrid with its extensive selection of wines by the glass (€3.50–10)…
Bordeaux
Exposed stone walls, vintage fireplace and windowsills dotted with flower pots add instant charm to this backstreet address run by the talented Marine…
Nantes
This backstreet favourite, with potted plants on its window sills and the day's menu chalked on a blackboard outside, enchants. Pick from two different…
La Rochelle
Across the street from the old-fashioned carousel that spins on the water edge is this hipster cafe. Seating is a mix of sage-green Fermob (pavement…
La Rochelle
Quality French fare – including excellent fish – is the point fort of this always-packed bistro, walls plastered in an endearing decorative mix of…
La Rochelle
This shabby-chic oyster bar has been around for ions but remains the stand-out address to dine with locals on eatery-busy rue du Port. Two themed menus…
Bordeaux
A meal at Bordeaux's most historic dining address, open since 1825, is worth it, if only to gawp in astonishment in the extravagant rococo interior: think…
Bordeaux
What with the vintage three-wheeler parked on the peaceful square in front and the shaded terrace, the swish cafe-restaurant of the neighbouring theatre…
La Rochelle
Every morning La Rochelle's 19th-century covered market bustles with stallholders selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish splayed on beds of ice, meat…
Bordeaux
A fresh, seasonal cuisine bursting with veggies is what the Kitchen Garden predictably cooks up. Water jugs come stuffed with mint and lemon, and there's…
Le Soleil Brille pour Tout Le Monde
La Rochelle
There's a distinctly bohemian air to The Sun Shines for Everyone, an organic restaurant cooking up savoury tarts packed with seasonal produce from the…
Poitiers
Parisian Mariage Frères teas served in bone china teapots, old-fashioned hot chocolate and flavoured milks are perfect companions to the delicious English…
Nantes
In keeping with the trend for gourmet coffee shops, Café Bécot serves Brûlerie Belleville coffee roasted in Paris, farmhouse cakes and bistro lunches in a…
