La Clé d'Or

This 1920s Art deco building has a modern extension replete with curving floral scrolls and a rotunda dining space decked in soft, natural materials echoing organic shapes. The couple at the helm, Stéphan Paroche and Justine Viano (formerly La Table de Castigno), crafts a modern programme in the form of several surprise menus, including vegetarian options. Indeed, it is their veggie-centric compositions – such as the appetisers or the seafood starter – that best exemplify the couple’s high-flying talent. The excellent wine list, featuring wines from Languedoc and Roussillon as well as the Rhôn

An Alter-Native – or another birth, even a rebirth – is how Gilles Goujon views this restaurant project. In Béziers, where he grew up and studied, the chef of the Auberge du Vieux Puits, who needs no introduction, is carving out a new niche: developing a concept of eco-responsible seafood- and plant-forward cuisine. With vegetables from the aquaponics garden and other treasures from the South of France, the executive chef cooks up appetisingly generous and no-nonsense dishes, such as his courgette rolls "Hommage à Roger Vergé". There is a pleasant terrace-patio for sunny days.

The frontage, clad in rust-coloured Corten steel, stands out against the beautiful stone façade that graces the town's circular boulevard. In the kitchen, the chef produces inspired, flavoursome and indulgent dishes. Free-range chicken and mushroom pâté en croûte, kohlrabi salad, red cabbage, apple and ginger chutney; confit pork cheeks, black pudding crisp, sauce charcuterie, potato mousseline and condiments; apple Charlotte made with textures of apple, amber beer gel and Petit Brun biscuit ice cream… A beautifully refined menu that hits the nail on the head!

In this friendly brasserie, they serve up uninhibited Mediterranean cuisine, cleverly blended with other influences. The menu features a selection of tapas (hummus with cumin and pita bread; croquetas de jamón), picas such as lamb kebab with za'atar and sumac, or grilled octopus. More elaborate dishes include semi-salted cod, watercress and gnocchi, lemon and caviar emulsion. And then there are the tasty desserts. A down-to-earth concept, with sharing in mind. The lunch menu is a steal. A resounding success.

This inviting restaurant in the heart of a winery is appealingly appointed with contemporary objets d'art and exotic wood furnishings and overlooks the Cévennes. The perfect foil to sample contemporary bistronomic cuisine: duck magret, spicy jus, roast melon in elderflower; panacotta flavoured with lavender honey, apricots and a dairy mousse. Most of the produce is local and seasonal, like the lovely fruity olive oil which is produced on the estate. A fine list of wines from the estate and nearby vineyards, and an impressive selection of wines by the glass.

A few minutes from his MICHELIN-starred restaurant, Matthieu de Lauzun ("MDL") has given a new lease of life to this place, which used to be a private wine cellar. Within these thick stone walls, a laid-back clientele embraces the culinary experience in this buzzing atmosphere. The menu draws on the treasures of the Mediterranean terroir: stuffed tomatoes, Andalusian gazpacho and house-made pâté en croûte sit alongside sea bream tartare and beef cheek confit. With both modest labels and renowned names, the well-constructed wine list, shared with the MICHELIN-starred restaurant, has something f

Enthusiastic chef Pierre Augé is at the helm of this restaurant with a personalised decor that is located close to the bullring. He greets each and every customer with an infectious smile because he is there to spread joy with his tasty creative cuisine based on local ingredients! Rather than bask in the media hype, he is clearly driven by a desire to continuously explore new culinary avenues. It's a joy to behold – and tuck into – dishes such as his whisky-marinated pavé de bœuf steak and cauliflower mousseline with vanilla; hake with piperade and green jus; or stracciatella with asparagus an