Maison Dix

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

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!

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.

This well-oiled machine on the banks of the River Orb, now home to two brothers – one a sommelier, the other a chef, was a cloth mill in a former life. Inside, granite and wood dominate the decor, while a glazed wine cellar stands in the centre as a reminder of the pivotal role played by wine here. The savvy wine list unveils a penchant for Languedoc-Roussillon (but not exclusively), with a host of insightful food and wine pairings. Chef Clément has opted for a southern slant that he interprets delicately and intelligently, as the fancy takes him. Friendly atmosphere courtesy of Benjamin's sea

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.

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.

The name of this restaurant housed in a 17C presbytery means "happiness" in the Pataxó language and, indeed, a real sense of delight is cultivated in the form of ingredients from the market and the kitchen garden (seven permaculture vegetable plots!). Enjoy your meal in a stunning location overlooking the countryside, or on the charming terrace in the shade of the wisteria.