The Best Restaurant in Side Trips from Paris, France

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Reviews Updated by

Reviewer Avatar
Jennifer Ladonne

The Ile-de-France's fanciest restaurants can be just as pricey as their Parisian counterparts. Close to the Channel for fresh fish, lush Normandy for beef and dairy products, and the rich agricultural regions of Picardy and the Beauce, Ile-de-France chefs have all the ingredients they could wish for, and shop for the freshest produce early each morning at the huge food market at Rungis, 18 km (10 miles) south of the capital. Traditional "local delicacies"—lamb stew, pâté de Pantin (pastry filled with meat), or pig's trotters—tend to be obsolete, though creamy Brie, made locally in Meaux and Coulommiers, remains queen of the cheese board.

Crêperie La Picoterie

$

If you're looking for a quick, traditional meal a few steps from the cathedral, look no further than this crêperie, a favorite in Chartres. You'll find a full list of savory (made with buckwheat flour) delights—ham, egg, smoked salmon, veggies, potatoes, and cheese—or sweet (made with white flour)—caramel au beurre salé, crêpes suzette, Grand Marnier, and ice cream—all washed down with a delicious Normandy cider. Whether you dine upstairs, downstairs, or on the sidewalk terrace, it's a good choice for a delicious, unfussy meal that's perfect for adults and kids.