Eco-immersion

In the upper reaches of this village on the Causse de Limogne, this unusual restaurant is housed in an old stone farmhouse. It has been set up by a couple, sommeliers by trade and returnees from a stint in New Zealand, who learned the art of cutting meat from the village butcher, who happens to be the proprietress's father. As a result, they serve only local meats (from the Lot, Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne), prepared nose to tail, then matured, smoked, simmered, grilled or made into a terrine – accompanied by crispy, succulent chips cooked in beef fat. Don't miss the wood-fired leg of lamb, co

This country restaurant has put down its roots in a peaceful winegrowing village in a meander of the River Lot. The wine barn of a former winery is the venue for chef Marius Halter to whisk up delicious modern recipes in which premium local produce features prominently, without forgoing finely balanced creative touches (spices, sweet and sour and globetrotting inspirations). Everything is spot on. In addition to gracefully looking after you at the table, Astrid has curated a splendid organic wine list. A pretty patio in the formal French garden.

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!

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.

Nestling in a leafy green site and dominated by its castle, the quaint village of Belcastel rises up on the right bank of the Aveyron River. Work up an appetite by strolling along its cobbled streets and up and down its steep paths! Quietly feeding hungry travellers is something of a tradition in this family-owned business opened by the grandparents of sisters Nicole and Michèle Fagegaltier, now at the helm. The enticing menu naturally highlights local delicacies such as lamb and veal from Aveyron and Ségala, Aubrac beef and Bigorre black pork, without forgetting fish and farmhouse cheese. Sto

This hidden gem is nestled in a village at the confluence of two rivers – the Aveyron and the Viaur. A contemporary take on an artists' bistro, it boasts artwork on the walls and affordable prices. Working solo in his small, glass-walled kitchen, chef Arnaud Ronxin crafts ingenious dishes with the mission of showcasing seasonal produce. Think oven-roasted veal with confit potatoes and chanterelles, or lamb trotters with a red wine sauce. The more ambitious multi-course evening set menu is different every evening.