Bon Apetit
 

My wife and I are celebrating our 22nd anniversary in France (early May). First time without kids in Europe. Yippee! So we can eat like grown ups.
Any especially memorable restaurant suggestions in Paris, Honfleur, Loire valley, Burgundy or Provence? Our itinerary is flexible and gastronomically driven.

What is your budget for these meals?

If you are a foodie and looking for expensive special restaurants that are written up in magazines, etc., I don't eat in that kind of place, but I quite liked Le Chat Qui Peche in Honfleur for typical Normandy cuisine.
http://www.lechatquipeche.com/

I think Provence is too big for me to suggest anything without knowing where you'll be

Hi J,

If you enter <Paris restaurant> in the
"search this forum" box you will get many suggestions at all price ranges.

Do the same with your other destinations.

((I))

We were in similar state earlier this month -- 25 years married and finally without kids. We found Le Rose de France on rue Dauphine between Notre Dame and the Louvre. On a small square, charming tiny rooms with good service and food and not unreasonable prices. We ordered glasses of house champagnes (last night of vacation) and they hadn't chilled a bottle so gave us glasses of Moet & Chandon at other price). Very romantic; honestly I expected Nick and Ilsa to walk in before leaving for Casablanca. Such a great trip! Hope yours is also.

Le Cheval Blanc in the Loire valley (Biere?) gets constantly good reviews.

I'll follow up on the leads. Thanks.

Here's one in upper Burgundy: the Auberge des Templiers, near Gien. Excellent hotel, with several buildings and bungalows laid out in spacious grounds; fine restaurant. A bit farther south is the wonderful hotel/restaurant Georges Blanc, in a tiny village. The restaurant has 3 stars, and deservedly so.

For the Rhône Valley on your way to Provence, Alain Chapel, in Mionnay, with 2*. Also Pic, in Valence, another 2*.

In the Côte d'Azur area, La Bastide St-Antoine, 2*, in Grasse--beautiful place, really inventive cuisine.

And a new favorite for us, near the small town of Valbonne (near Grasse and Mougins): Restaurant Daniel Desavie, a discovery last October--no stars yet, but soon--the chef/owner worked with Roger Vergé for about 20 years before opening his own house.

Bon appétit!

You might want to pick up the red Michelin Guide to Hotels and Restaurants for serious perusal.

I wrote about a few really good Paris restaurants in a report about my recent food-focused trip; I will bring it up for you so you can have a look. I would certainly put Ze Kitchen Galerie and Chez L'Ami Jean on your list; add Joel Robuchon's Atelier if you are up for counter dining...