As we search for that special house, we often find ourselves far from typical tourist trails looking for that hidden treasure. We would like to share these restaurants, auberges, hotels and specialty shops with you.

Brittany

Plume au Vent
An absolute two room jewel of a bed and breakfast hidden on a backstreet just off the main square of Carnac, is the creation of Elizabeth Rabot. Her sense of design and love of graphic novels make this a terrific  glimpse  into the world of someone fascinated with design. The environment she has created for herself and that she shares with her guests is the epitome of a hidden  treasure.
06.16.98.34.79
rabot.carnac@wanadoo.fr
La Calypso
Near the end of the peninsula at Carnac, this eclectic harborside restaurant could not be closer to the source for their seafood menu. The atmosphere is local and the seafood could not be fresher.
02.97.52.06.14

Dordogne

Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac
This spectacular hilltop garden offers some of the most enchanting views of the Dordogne countryside near Beynac and is truly on a grand scale. This recently renovated garden is a very electic collection of garden styles connected by grand promenades. If you plan to stroll the entire garden, plan a few hours for your visit.
05.53.31.36.36

Loire

La Maison d'a Cote
This auberge is simple perfection due to the diligence and attention to detail of the owner who spent three years restoring  two buldings on the main square of the otherwise unremarkable village of Montivault. No detail is over looked from the dining room to the very unique rooms above. Located between the chateaux at Chambord and Blois, this can be a very relaxing overnight destination.
02.54.20.62.30
lamisondacote.fr
The Sunday Market at Le Mans
Located next to the medieval town center, exploring this extensive market is a great way to spend the morning.

Mayenne

La Forge Retaurant
Fontaine Daniel was once a factory town where fabrics were woven. The village has been lovingly preserved and the fabrics available at the showroom are as magnificant as you are likely to find anywhere. While the restaurant has a formal impression, we arrived dressed very casually as we often are when we are exploring, none the less, we were treated to friendly, impecable service. The plates were works of art. Never had we tasted cucmber sorbet, but placed as it was between two fruit sorbets, the combination  and subtlety of flavors was sublime.
02.43.00.34.85
restaurant-traituer-laforge.com

Minervois

La Bastide Cabezac
Some our our most memorable evenings have beeen spent enjoying a wonderful meal and attentive service outdoors on the terrace overlooking the pool at this small roadside hotel, restaurant and winery.
04.68.46.66.29
labastidecabezac.com
La Villa d'Eleis
Located in Siran, the home of MaisonSiran, LLC, the hotel and restaurant offers excellent food in the peaceful atmosphere of the old chateau. A visit to the Minervois wine center next door is a must.
04.68.91.55.98
villadeleis.com
Restaurant Lo Cagarol
An absolute classic of a restaurant located in the "snail" village of Aigne. Outdoor and indoor dining at moderate prices with excellent service and comfortable decor. Reservations recommended.
04.68.27.84.22

Normandy

Auberge De La Mine
Excellent food and service with slightly over the top formal decor located in La Ferriere-aux-Etangs.
02.33.66.91.10
Taverne Au Normandy
Facing the main square of Sees, this hotel and restaurant is much beloved by the locals and all who visit St. Clair Cottages. Our home when not in France is an island in the middle of Puget Sound, an area known for spectacular seafood. That said, the moules steamed in a variety of sauces at the Normandie, are simply the best we have ever found. 
02.33.27.80.67
Chocolats Glatigny
Our favorite local chocolatier fabricant just off the central square and opposite the cathedral in Alencon, not far from St. Clair Cottages and Sur Sarthe. Terrific for seasonally created chocolates.
02.33.26.18.23
Hotol Maitre Chocolatier
Perhaps the most beautifully boxed chocolates we have found and believe us when we say that we have looked. Located on Rue Saint Pierre in the center of Caen, it is almost worth a trip to the city in itself.
02.31.86.31.90
Mariette
A terrific lunch stop not far from Sur Sarthe featuring a large smorgasbord in St Marceau just of the main road between Alencon and Le Mans.
02.43.97.02.62