Gourmet road trip in Touraine: 10 restaurants to savour

1. The Auberge de Montpoupon Céré La Ronde

Before or after your visit to Château de Montpoupon, savour dishes carefully prepared using local produce (vegetables from Beaulieu-lès-Loches, strawberries from Epeigné les bois, ice creams from Céré-la-Ronde, ewe’s milk cheese from Perrusson…), with the key to excellent value for money. Christophe and Sophie Lunais have put all the experience they gained at Les Closeaux (Vallières les Grandes, Loir-et-Cher) to good use here. An address recommended by the Guide du Routard. A perfect place to start!

©Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants Cormery 3

The greenhouse Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants — ©Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants|Elisabeth Froment

©Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants Cormery|Elisabeth Froment

Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants Cormery 4 — ©Restaurant Les Roseaux Pensants|Elisabeth Froment

2. Les Roseaux Pensants Cormery

Discover a gastronomic cuisine focused on plants and short circuits. Chef Stéphane Enault and Laurène Attia will surprise you with innovative culinary creations, perfectly mastering fermentation. Afterwards, don’t hesitate to explore the surrounding area, following a short 3.2km circuit past a remarkable abbey, and treat yourself to a box of Cormery’s famous macaroons!

3. La Boulaye Athée-sur-Cher

Along the Cœur de France à Vélo itinerary, in very pleasant landscaped surroundings, chef Maryline Caron’s restaurant is sure to be a great stop-off! Taste a tasty and sophisticated cuisine, in the dining room or on the terrace, guided by the attentive team. Nearby, try the organic wines from Château de Nitray!

4. L'Aubinière Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes

At l’Aubinière, indulge in a cosy spa, contemporary rooms and… the cuisine of Jacques Arrayet, who takes as much pleasure in revisiting land and sea recipes as he does in honouring the seasons of the vegetable garden. As a sommelier, his wife Odile puts together a rich and varied wine list, featuring of course the wines of the Loire Valley.

Plat Restaurant L'Aubinière St Ouen Les Vignes — ©Restaurant L'Aubinière|L'Aubinière

5. Le Liberté Neuillé-le-Lierre

Established in 2021, this gourmet and sustainable restaurant has been quick to carve out a fine reputation for itself, making use of Touraine produce, such as the pink king of Touraine, black truffles, or pear tapée liqueur. At Le Liberté, everything is homemade, and a small grocery shop lets you extend the experience with 100% local products.

6. Vincent Country Cook Les Coteaux-sur-Loire

Immerse yourself in the vineyards of Bourgueil, and meet Vincent and Olivia Simon, at the helm of this benchmark restaurant awarded a Michelin Guide green star. The poultry that their son Gabriel raises next door is carefully prepared, accompanied by vegetables from the garden or from nearby market gardeners. In summer, opt for a picnic basket to be enjoyed in a barrel set up in the middle of the neighbouring vineyards: the domaine Lamé-Delisle-Boucard.

The restaurant

7. The sailor's hut Bréhémont

From fish to plate, there’s just one step, or rather… one little boat ride. Feast on the flavour combinations of chef Ambroise Voreux (popular Top Chef contestant), using fresh catches from Romain Gadais, a professional fisherman on the Loire. All with a view of the Loire, please! So remember to book in advance, especially at weekends, especially as the restaurant is a choice stop-off on the Loire à Vélo itinerary.

8. The 12th century inn Saché

There are at least two good reasons to pass through Saché: the Musée Balzac, where the great writer pursued his work while keeping his creditors at bay, and the XIIᵉ century inn. Both the venerable age of the building and the quality of the cuisine prepared have made the place a gastronomic institution, now haloed by a Michelin star. Inside or out on the terrace, follow Stéphanie’s advice in the dining room, and savour the cuisine of chef Kevin Gardien. Why not… roasted langoustines accompanied by a parsnip mousseline with Touraine saffron, and a lemon leaf broth…

9. The Secret Garden Le Château du Rivau

What a beautiful medieval castle, set in the Richelieu countryside! That said, the fairytale gardens, collection of contemporary artworks and cuisine at Le Jardin secret restaurant bring us right back into the modern era. Enjoy the well-prepared dishes, featuring produce from the organic garden of the adjoining farm. As the number of covers is limited, you’d better make a reservation here too!

10. The Priory table du Louroux

End your gastronomic stay on a high note! “Inventive and refined cuisine”, “exceptional restaurant”, “everything was delicious”, “magnificent and unexpected location”… these are just some of the reviews you can read about this establishment, honoured in the Michelin guide with a Bib Gourmand. On Sundays, chef Pierre Drouineau concocts a unique four-course menu inspired by the market. Extend this culinary discovery with a 5.2km digestive stroll around the Etang du Louroux, a beautiful natural area with a bird observatory.