The chef Pierre Hugonnet at the Jardins des Ifs shares his gardening tips
© AS Flament
Saffron from the Somme Bay is served in gastronomic restaurants
© B.Teissedre
Inland, in medieval Gerberoy famed for its rose bushes, the Jardin des Ifs offers french cuisine based on the produce of its permaculture kitchen garden, with flowers to enhance flavour or as decoration. Next door, the Jardins du Vidamé bistro/tea-room serves a dessert of fromage frais with confit rose petals.
North of Arras (between Calais and Paris), La Chartreuse du Val Saint-Esprit hotel has extensive kitchen gardens and a gastronomic restaurant using local saffron in many dishes. And Michelin-starred L’Orée de la Forêt near A1 and Parisalso serves traditional French food based on the produce of its vegetable gardens embellished with flowers.
Best places to stay around
As well as the above hotels and B&Bs, try Domaine de Célestins B&B and gîtes near the french coast and the Somme Bay, and eco-friendly Chaise Verte B&B near Gerberoy, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Practical information
Practical information