Hotel des Voyageurs

Imagine a contemporary vessel built out of stone, iron and glass set in a medieval fortress with a 360° view of the surroundings, nestled in a medieval fortress that they owners fell in love with: Marie-Aude and the late Serge Vieira quickly turned this out-of-the-ordinary venue into an establishment whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of Auvergne. The chef's kindness and talent were appreciated by all; Marie-Aude continues to embody the sense of hospitality that meant so much to him. After working for many years alongside Serge, Aurélien Gransagne keeps the passion alive by elevat

Is it Adrien Descouls's native region of Auvergne that inspires his ever-so-fresh cuisine? Just outside Issoire, in this modern building perched next to a 14C castle, the chef demonstrates his talents without going over the top: savvy choice of ingredients, ability to showcase the local terroir (and the kitchen garden!) and a youthful energy that sometimes moves mountains. His pared-back contemporary style is underpinned by true technical skill, as seen in dishes such as golden trout steak with an oxidative Chardonnay sabayon and watercress. As you eat, drink in the magnificent view from the d

Built on old fortifications, this pleasant restaurant lies at the heart of a wine-growing village that produces Boudes, one of the five wines of Auvergne's vineyards. Christian Coutarel, a jovial chef, works away in the kitchen preparing generous and flavoursome traditional cuisine, without ruling out more modern dishes.

This restaurant in a lush green setting is a champion of local produce, as illustrated by the chef's network of carefully selected farms. In a pared-back modern interior (in which the furniture and tableware are the work of local artisans), tuck into seasonal dishes, which you can wash down with wine courtesy of the sommelier's expert tips.

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.

Sodade is a song by Cesária Évora and a nod to the Portuguese origins of the late owner, Serge Vieira. In a large designer dining room or on the terrace overlooking the stream, you will sample dishes that are the epitome of tasty and simple. Pleasant guestrooms to stay longer.

In the heart of Saint-Flour, a medieval village built of volcanic stone, this restaurant was opened by a local couple at just the right time! The concise set menu, with its three options (including a starter and a vegetarian dish) doesn't disappoint: everything served here is cooked from scratch. The simple menu with an eye for the zeitgeist favours local ingredients (while sometimes casting the net wider), such as lentilles blondes de Saint-Flour, which the chef prepares chilli style, adding a slow-cooked egg and a corn espuma. In fact, the chef has become a specialist in this particular lent