This town house, outside the centre of Caen, is almost on the doorstep of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. Olivier Barbarin, an experienced chef who is no stranger to fine dining, concocts food that resembles his character – uninhibited and appetising, including a nod to his native Auvergne – the purple walls evoke volcanic rock like pozzolan. Bargain priced lunch deal, and the dinner tasting menu changes depending on the market and the chef’s mood.