L'Hôtel Lac des Graves

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.

Perched in the Cantal mountains, this pleasingly rustic farmstead is the fruit of a beautiful family saga spanning six generations. Tuck into generous traditional cuisine rooted in the local terroir – featuring the legendary truffade, served with every dish, and the family recipe for tripoux à la tomate. All dishes are sincere and precise. And then there is the trolley of regional cheeses, with Salers, produced just a few metres away, taking pride of place.

The cooking of Didier Guibert, whose restaurant is located in a quiet little street in the city centre, is sincere and nicely done. He only works with fresh produce – and in particular meat supplied by his two brothers, butchers by trade. A well-run place.

After an impressive career working in Michelin - starred restaurants in Switzerland, the chef has returned home, to his wife's region. In an unusual setting – a former forge that has been refurbished with a lot of wood, concrete and picture windows –, he proposes modern and delicious dishes.