Le Balcon des Jasses

In a small village overlooking the hillsides, the old village school has been transformed into a restaurant. Welcome to the Gindreau in Saint Médard. Chef Pascal Bardet, originally from Lot and who worked for Alain Ducasse for 18 years, particularly at the Louis XV, is flourishing in his own kitchen. “My cooking is entirely free of set rules,” confides this shy, but confident craftsman. His knack with regional produce, particularly truffles, is indeed second to none. Take a seat under the shade of the chestnut trees and watch the sun set in Quercy.

Is there anything France's talented female chefs can't do? Charlotte Bauduret – Bonnie is her maiden name – brings together her two passions at this establishment: cooking (modern, vibrant, indulgent, rooted in tradition but elevated with personal touches) and the applied arts. She herself painted the large floral frescoes on the walls and created the restaurant's entire visual identity. Her partner, meanwhile, provides enthusiastic service and dispenses expert advice on wine pairings. On the menu: asparagus roll with pine nuts and guanciale; cod with kombu and tarragon-infused pea mousseline;

At the head of this pleasant restaurant is a foodie couple who travelled to faraway lands and seas before dropping anchor in Cahors. Jean - François concocts gourmet dishes such as: salmon marinated in fennel or wild seabass, pan - fried chard and Lautrec pink garlic cromesquis. Enough to make your mouth water!

Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Lot valley, this medieval castle is a majestic setting for contemporary fine dining and luxurious guestrooms. Tuck into delicious cuisine based on premium ingredients such as lobster, foie gras and Quercy pigeon, combined with more traditional local produce such as chanterelles and Rocamadour cheese. A single multi-course tasting menu is served in a refined interior set up within centuries-old stone walls. Chef Clément Costes devises a precise menu of perfectly cooked dishes, such as roast pigeon, which can be accompanied by one of the estate's fine wines.

An appealingly accessible take on fine dining! Chef Julien Poisot (previously at Château de Mercuès) and his partner Justine run this restaurant at one end of the Pont Valentré – a magnificent medieval bridge. As simple in its presentation as it is sophisticated in its execution, this generous cuisine showcases the chef's experience in the form of delicious, meticulous dishes inspired by seasonal produce. The lunch menu is just as down to earth (mackerel with white wine and horseradish cream; stuffed Gascon pork and ​​brioche perdue). In the evening, the chef draws on premium ingredients to cr

Behind a frontage with red window frames, this well-matched duo are forging their path and taking a simple approach. Trained in London, Lisa (front of house) and Tanguy (in the kitchen) have set up shop in this corner of the Lot. The bright, unfussy space has a pared-down aesthetic, with its white walls, exposed bricks and vintage objects lending it character. The food is in the same vein: clear, balanced and rooted in the ingredients. Enhanced by an orange vinaigrette and a scattering of almond splinters, the gravlax-style trout retains all its tenderness. The stuffed cabbage – a more rustic

Here in the Cahors vineyards, overlooking the Lot, this couple, with stints in prestigious MICHELIN-starred kitchens under their belts, have struck the perfect note in their convivial bistro. On weekday lunchtimes, a single, simplified set menu brings in the regulars; the rest of the time, a short à la carte menu and a five-course set menu (excellent value) are served. Antoine Pépin cooks fresh, precise cuisine; Amandine extends a warm welcome and provides expert wine recommendations. Local produce, tableware by artisans, wines from the Lot: the terroir is showcased with sincerity. Booking adv