Sometimes chance has a way with words… Take this quietly lyrical inn breathing new life into the countryside, the brainchild of Christy Erickson: a wine-loving Californian who arrived here on a hiking trip and never quite made it to Burgundy. Instead, she put down roots in this Norman hamlet. Every line rings true because nothing feels forced: a warm-hearted team, a beautifully restored dining room and thoughtfully refined cooking by Junha Lee, a South Korean chef-gardener who cut his teeth at La Grenouillère and Quinsou. He showcases his green-fingered talents across three or four courses, paired with stellar bottles (especially from Burgundy), unless there’s a natural wine tasting or cocktails on the lawn instead. Come tomorrow at first light, you’ll find yourself bound for L’Ormoie. · Mimi Mougin

Ate: A celebration of garden vegetables (peas, fava beans, snow peas, scallions) dressed with a vibrant tarragon sauce, followed by succulent poularde with new potatoes and a salad picked just steps from the kitchen.

Price: Set menus €35-40 (3-4 courses).