La Canopėe 19

Dominated by the feudal castle of Anjony (15C), the unspoiled village of Tournemire has preserved its flagstone roofed stone houses that are so characteristic of the Cantal region. This nearby contemporary establishment hosts a dining room flooded in light overlooking the countryside. The set menu is modern, creative and polished: foie gras delicately caramelised in muscovado sugar, or impeccably cooked line-fished croaker. A stylish setting that marries the comfort of a top-of-the-range hotel with fine dining ambitions, to the delight of foodies in the know.

This restaurant in Égletons, between Tulle and Ussel, was opened by a young couple from the Basque Country, who are winning diners over with their commitment and unpretentious cuisine. On weekday lunchtimes, the food is deliberately simpler, with a good-value set menu that attracts regulars. In the evening, the menu pushes the envelope: grilled Basque blood sausage with potato patty and golden apples; crab mayonnaise enhanced with a carrot and curry cream, blini made with walnut flour.

This dinky establishment, in the hands of Cyril Auboiroux for some ten years now, rolls out a concise, inspired menu composed of a choice of three starters, three main courses and three desserts. Local produce steals the star roles (Limousin beef, Corrèze veggies, sturgeon and caviar from Dordogne), albeit with the occasional more far-flung gourmet escapade and unexpected creations like an amber beer ice cream. Artistic plating enhances the perfectly paired contrasting flavours. Delightful, professional front-of-house team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the work of a jovial, self-effacing chef, as modest as his food is good. Premium seasonal produce takes front stage in his dishes: free-range duck breast, purée of quince and prunes and a spicy gravy. Rugged, deftly crafted, lip-smacking food! In fine weather, head for the pretty terrace in the back garden.

Beds of aromatic herbs, Japanese enclosure, rose garden etc. These gardens created by a famous cosmetics brand celebrate both the poetic nature of the site and the virtues of nature. In the restaurant with its beautifully restored old timber frame, the chef elevates the Corrèze terroir by using spices encountered during the years he spent in Asia and the West Indies – the resulting dishes are as fragrant as they are confidently prepared.

In the picture postcard village of Tournemire, a renovated barn, whose bare stone walls and timber rafters have been preserved, is now the scene of an airy restaurant with a modern extension overlooking the Doire Valley. Managed by the same team as the Puy Tilleul, down the hill in the village, the menu highlights home-grown Cantal produce: locally sourced ingredients, tableware by local artisans and coffee roasted in Aurillac. Concise, polished menu dotted with nods to tradition, like truffade. Panoramic views from the picture windows and big-boned fare served with heartwarming sincerity.

Nothing remains of the ruined château, except its founding spirit, which has been given a new lease of life thanks to the vision of two local childhood friends. It is now home to guestrooms, a bar and a restaurant housed in the tasteful timber extension. The Colombian chef crafts authentic cuisine packed in flavour and scattered with South American notes (ceviche of fish of the day, flame-licked cooking). In line with their eco-responsible ethos, priority is given to local producers, and some of their vegetables, herbs and even fish also come from their own aquaponics greenhouse, hence the one