Marie-Christine and Didier Clément were determined to highlight Sologne’s pastoral universe in their historic regional gourmet landmark (whose walls date back to 1774) thanks to some fabulous restoration work. The Offard house was entrusted with creating an incredible natural ‘rural’ interior out of “stone cardboard”, an 18C handicraft about which chef Didier Clément is passionate. The food embodies a gourmet interpretation of the surrounding countryside, enhanced by the chef’s research into forgotten herbs and spices: grains of paradise, sand leek, angelica and lemon thyme. In true textbook fashion, Clément effortlessly rolls out a purebred lineup of Gallic origins: courgette flowers stuffed with crab; John Dory in tarragon; free-range rabbit in liquorice, all of which free of unnecessary frills and paired with knockout jus and sauces. Let’s not forget the knockout wine list which showcases some of the Loire’s top wineries.