Petite Suite Douillette

Pézenas is not only the city of Molière, it is also the HQ of Matthieu de Lauzun. Established in a winery in the priory of Saint-Jean de Bébian, this venue provides a stage for the chef to demonstrate his manifold talents. A chic neoteric interior, done up in stone, wood and copper, sets the scene for the chef’s delicate, tasty Mediterranean score, liberally scattered with childhood and wayfaring souvenirs. The well-curated lineup of Languedoc wines further adds to the pleasurable dining experience.

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!

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

The Étang de Thau, a major shellfish farming site and lake in Languedoc, famous for its mussels and the legendary oysters of Bouzigues, is also well-known for its biodiversity on land, in the sea and in the airs. So, taking a seat on the terrace overlooking the lagoon is an opportunity not to be missed. Expect to tuck into delicious, ultra-fresh seafood, including oysters, mini squid in garlic and parsley or mussels broiled in garlic butter.

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.

In a tiny village deep in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac vineyards, opposite the post office, SouKa (root in Occitan) has morphed into a cave à manger (dining wine cellar). Bargain-priced lunchtime menu and a concise à la carte cast of deftly crafted nostalgic dishes. Stand outs include slow-confit beef cheeks, smoked mashed potatoes and glazed carrots; roast calf’s head, steamed potatoes, gribiche sauce, without forgetting the sublime walnut pie flanked by apple purée. All of which washed down with wines from near and far; the wine list boasts several hundred references, is reasonably p

The house where the poet Achille Maffre de Baugé was born is home to this very popular restaurant: the delicious and meticulous cuisine is anchored in French tradition (the pâté en croûte is excellent!). Made using fresh produce, this is particularly artfully plated food. To be enjoyed in a dining space with a vaulted ceiling or out on the pleasant patio.