Les Genêts

This fashionably refurbished country house, which lies a few miles from Sables d’Olonne, is now the haunt of a talented couple, Nicolas and Amélie Coutand. The chef spent time at Troisgros in Roanne and L’Amphitryon in Lorient, among others. An advocate of fresh, seasonal produce, his approach is creative, joyful and flavoursome and regional ingredients, be they noble or less so, such as sardine, mackerel and hake, take pride of place in his menus. A huge 1400m² cottage garden adds a veggie flourish to his light, delicate dishes at prices that make sense.