La Biscuiterie

Restaurateur Hélène Coquilhat worked in Paris (Bonne Nouvelle) and Brussels (Le Bénélux) before setting up shop in Mortagne-au-Perche, in a small space which originally acted as a cookie factory… Hence the name of her adorable café with a Scandinavian feel, where she stews up a selection of sandwiches, savory tarts, salads and cakes made with local, organic ingredients in her kitchenette each day, served on adorable vintage china. Seated on the terrace, we devoured the incredible croque monsieur made on bread from the nearby baker, served with a generous and perfectly seasoned haricots verts salad (with asparagus tips, lettuce, tomatoes, basil and shaved Parmesan), chosen over the mouthwatering pan bagnat sandwich (tuna, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, capers) spotted on the next table over. And to round out the meal? A plum shortbread tart, and a citrus and orange blossom cake… truly delicious! // Marcelle Claudepierre 

FEELING THIRSTY? : Artisanal fruit juices (€4.50), La Chouette hard cider, beers from the Brasserie des Pionniers (€5 for 330 ml), a few organic wines (Origine Nature, a Rhone white from the Domaine Chante Bise at €4.50 a glass) and cappuccinos (€4.50).  
PRICE: : Soups €4, salads €4-10, sandwiches €8.50 to €9, desserts €4 to €4.50.