Mise en Scène

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

Just a few kilometres from Montpellier yet deep in the countryside, this 18C Montpellier retreat is set within a 45ha estate, planted with bamboo groves and home to grazing horses. An old wine storehouse is home to the restaurant, which has a slightly industrial aesthetic. The open kitchen turns out lovely seasonal dishes featuring vegetables, Mediterranean fish and meat from local purebreds – think mussels marinated in fennel or grilled octopus. Surprise lunch set menu and à la carte options.

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.

Well located, this establishment is particularly popular with a business clientele. The entirely refurbished dining room is eminently welcoming. The wine list is curated with input from the next-door wine shop. In summer the large terrace shaded by a canopy of reeds is taken by storm.