Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher was once best known for its zoo, but now this Loir-et-Cher town of nearly 3,000 inhabitants is also home to Archimède, the restaurant from Argentine chef Matias Arturo. With help from his partner Galli Arturette (front-of-house), he delights locals and passing tourists alike with family-style plates with South American flavors, made using local ingredients and paired with natural wines, all in a restaurant with authentic village bistro vibes. The night we went, we had all of the following: a refreshing and simple vegetarian cucumber aguachile; a comforting egg poached in chenin wine and served with asparagus salad; and a classic yet satisfying combination of herring and new potatoes. For dessert, they proudly offer the local goat cheese, whipped and served with a cookie and some honey, or strawberries with homemade Chantilly cream. // Adèle Mouette

FEELING THIRSTY? : Living, local wines: Boucan, a sparking chenin from Sébastien Lincy and Corentin Allot (€7 a glass) and Emmenez-Moi, a sauvignon blanc or Voilà l’Été, a rosé from Marie Rocher (€35 a bottle).
PRICE: : Set menu €21 (weekday lunch), shared plates €5-10, appetizers €11-17, mains €21-29, desserts €9-11.