La Tour du Sénéchal

Île de Ré


Tucked beneath a tour (tower), hence its name, Ars’ village épicerie (grocery) is a gourmet hot spot for savvy cyclists and knowing locals. Its varied tasting platters – a dozen oysters, cumin-laced vegetable samosas, sesame-spiced salmon, delicious salads – showcase seasonal produce fresh from the island and region, and weekend brunch is a deliciously long and languid affair.

The enchanting, picture-postcard terrace with church-steeple views is the icing on the cake.