3 Best Restaurants in The Loire Valley, France

For five generations, the Dubois family has been producing the local Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese that figures prominently on the menu at this unpretentious bistro-wine bar—whether baked on toast, melted in an omelet, or included on a cheese plate with other local favorites. You can choose from a range of seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with a local wine that they will happily guide you in choosing.

This bistro, specializing in all the bounty of the Loire Valley, unites friendly service, stylish decor, a convivial atmosphere, and outstanding cuisine. Whether it's melt-in-your-mouth lamb, a copious charcuterie board featuring local cheeses and house-made foie gras, or an all-fish plate that assembles fish rillettes of the local Loire silure and caviar from the Sologne, you're sure to make delicious discoveries. The spacious terrace overlooking the meandering Loire River is a lovely spot to dine, snack, sample the Loire appellations, or imbibe a cocktail on fine days.

Locals in the know reserve well in advance to get a table at this tiny restaurant in Vieux Tours, which specializes in traditional regional cuisine. Don't miss Balzac's much-loved Rillons de Tours, a glazed pork dish, and the delicious St-Maure goat cheese.