La maison du pech

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.

At the entrance to this bastide town perched on the heights of the Quercy Caussadais, this small restaurant is run by a versatile duo who are no strangers to the business. Fresh from Alsace, they have swapped the vineyards of eastern France for the hills of the South-West. There are no culinary gimmicks here: it's all about honest, serious cuisine, allying tradition and fresh ingredients, eg seasonal mushroom vol-au-vent and poulette sauce with vin jaune. Friendly atmosphere guaranteed.

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!

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 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.

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.

Set within a vast wine estate founded in 1690, this restaurant is ensconced in a meticulously restored old barn. Behind the stone façade, the warmth of old materials and high wooden beams meets with more contemporary touches: a black wall, an open kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment, comfortable furniture, and large windows overlooking the vineyards and surrounding countryside. In the kitchen, the chef cooks up exquisite dishes based on impeccable-quality premium ingredients. Breton langoustine is served alongside pearly-fleshed ikejime John Dory, accompanied by sorrel and a carrot jus inf