Eating Out
Taste the Sarthe
The Sarthe and Loire Valley are among France's finest food regions — rillettes du Mans, Vouvray wines, Loire salmon, fresh goat's cheese, local asparagus and strawberries in season. The restaurants below are our personal recommendations — places we know and love, from quick lunches to memorable evenings.
A proper French village restaurant — hearty regional cooking, excellent plat du jour, unpretentious atmosphere and good local wine. A local favourite that never disappoints.
The nearest market town has several excellent options including a traditional brasserie on the main square and a riverside terrace restaurant. Good for families — varied menus and relaxed atmosphere.
Le Mans has an excellent restaurant scene — from traditional Manceau cuisine (try the rillettes) to contemporary gastronomy. The old town (La Cité Plantagenêt) has wonderful restaurants in medieval surroundings.
Tours has one of the best restaurant scenes outside Paris. The Rue Colbert is lined with restaurants — French, regional and international. The Saturday morning market at Place des Halles is a must-visit food experience.
Several nearby villages have good casual dining — pizzerias, crêperies and café-restaurants that are perfect for easy family evenings without a long drive. Ask us for current recommendations on arrival.
B&B guests can arrange evening meals at the mill — home-cooked using local and home-grown produce. Simply ask when booking. The riverside terrace is the perfect setting for a summer dinner.
Markets
The Local Markets
La Chartre-sur-le-Loir Market
The local market in the nearest town — fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, bread and local crafts. A wonderful way to stock up the gîte kitchen for the week. About 10 minutes from the mill.
Tours — Les Halles
One of the finest covered markets in France — a vast food hall with exceptional produce. The Saturday outdoor market around it is a sensory experience not to be missed. Allow a couple of hours and arrive hungry.
Village Markets
Almost every village in the Sarthe has a weekly market. Ask us for the current market calendar when you arrive — we keep an up-to-date list and can point you to the best ones in the area.
Evening Markets & Fêtes
Summer brings evening markets (marchés nocturnes), village fêtes and food festivals throughout the region. These are wonderful local experiences — live music, local food and wine under the stars.
Stay at the mill — eat like a local
We'll share our full personal recommendations when you arrive.