Top dog-friendly restaurants

Fancy eating out but don’t want to leave your dog at the gîte? No problem – we’ve put together a list of restaurants that LOVE dogs. No need to thank us, it’s just what we do….

1. Ferme de la Rançonnière

Behind a gateway lies the magnificent square courtyard around which sit the beautiful buildings of this hotel-restaurant, a former fortified farm.  Stéphane Boisramey presides over a dynamic team in the kitchen that offers French cuisine that is both sober and inspired, full of character and flavours that will send your taste buds singing. The result is seductive and cooked to perfection.

2. Auberge du Val de Cesne

This thatched cottage has all the hallmarks of the Normandy tradition:  beams, a smoking fireplace, Jouy printed fabrics, square-paned windows, plus the rooms and cosy salons make it the perfect place just to unwind and let the world go by! Jérôme Carel’s cuisine is generous and inspired by traditional Normandy recipes and local products.

3. Le Petit Coq aux Champs

The sort of thatched cottage of your dreams, not far from Pont-Audemer, with a roaring fire, linen tablecloths and silver napkin rings!  You are made to feel welcome in this cosy atmosphere, and the cuisine of Jean-Marie Huard has been carefully crafted with pure genius. The dishes appear simple but are the fruit of a true talent.

4. L’Absinthe

Opposite the fishing port where the fishing boats are moored the tables are arranged in two magnificent dining rooms built in stone, with beams athwart, and a fireplace at the end. Chef Thierry Lebihan prepares an excellent array of fresh produce, with lots of vegetables in delicate and tasty combinations. The wine list is also most impressive. L’Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder…

5. Le Moulin de Connelles

Tucked away in the heartland of Impressionism, a stone’s throw from the Château-Gaillard, this beautiful former flour mill is quite a sight in its island setting, with its blue timbering, flint and stone chessboard ‘diaper’ work and decorative turrets. Enjoy dining by candlelight while looking down at the river flowing past by your feet.