Brit Hotel Cahors - Le France

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;

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.

An appealingly accessible take on fine dining! Chef Julien Poisot (previously at Château de Mercuès) and his partner Justine run this restaurant at one end of the Pont Valentré – a magnificent medieval bridge. As simple in its presentation as it is sophisticated in its execution, this generous cuisine showcases the chef's experience in the form of delicious, meticulous dishes inspired by seasonal produce. The lunch menu is just as down to earth (mackerel with white wine and horseradish cream; stuffed Gascon pork and ​​brioche perdue). In the evening, the chef draws on premium ingredients to cr

Behind a frontage with red window frames, this well-matched duo are forging their path and taking a simple approach. Trained in London, Lisa (front of house) and Tanguy (in the kitchen) have set up shop in this corner of the Lot. The bright, unfussy space has a pared-down aesthetic, with its white walls, exposed bricks and vintage objects lending it character. The food is in the same vein: clear, balanced and rooted in the ingredients. Enhanced by an orange vinaigrette and a scattering of almond splinters, the gravlax-style trout retains all its tenderness. The stuffed cabbage – a more rustic

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.

Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Lot valley, this medieval castle is a majestic setting for contemporary fine dining and luxurious guestrooms. Tuck into delicious cuisine based on premium ingredients such as lobster, foie gras and Quercy pigeon, combined with more traditional local produce such as chanterelles and Rocamadour cheese. A single multi-course tasting menu is served in a refined interior set up within centuries-old stone walls. Chef Clément Costes devises a precise menu of perfectly cooked dishes, such as roast pigeon, which can be accompanied by one of the estate's fine wines.

In the wine storehouse of a château in the heart of the vineyards, this restaurant exudes the very particular charm of truly authentic places. Charcuterie rack, butcher's block, ham slicer and cases of wine herald a wonderful moment of gourmet delights, rounded off by wines from the estate. Rotisserie evening every Friday. Just delicious.