阿尔帕亚尔古城堡

Duende! Come and see how the arts of bullfighting and flamenco dancing have set fire to the imagination of Pierre Gagnaire. The fine dining establishment of the Hotel Imperator has its own separate entrance, in line with the chef’s independent spirit. Premium ingredients, proven technical expertise, spontaneity and originality. The tasting menu pays a subtle tribute to the finest produce from the Gard and the Mediterranean region (Baron des Cévennes pork, vegetables from small market gardeners, fish from the Mediterranean) in subtle, delicate dishes. The superb wine list of over 1,000 referenc

In a picturesque village not far from the Pont-du-Gard, Denis Martin (ex The Marcel) and his wife Joana have set up shop in a handsome limestone building. The chef crafts spot-on, expressive dishes, in which lamb from Les Baux, Mediterranean seabass and the rich Occitan terroir take centre stage – to be savoured on the terrace or in the bright interior. A champion of regional produce, the chef crafts a festival of spot-on, well-balanced dishes. The weekday lunchtime menu is excellent value for money. Why not stay overnight in one of the attractive guestrooms and enjoy the swimming pool? In a n

Chef Krishna Léger, who was a fireman before turning to cooking later in life, regales us with bistronomic fare, in which he blends local ingredients with globetrotting influences: Thai-style beef salad with guacamole; lamb confit with spices and carrot mousseline. Given the ultra-fresh ingredients, generous helpings and sensibly priced predominantly organic wine list, this eatery will lure you back, again and again!

This magnificent 15C town house is home to a fine dining restaurant which sports a plush velvety interior and a huge counter separating the room and the kitchen. Former second of Georgiana Viou, chef Luka-Tao Debenath deploys his creative streak in appetisers like a grassy runner bean jus followed by a starter of brioche bread roll stuffed with garlic-laced brousse cheese, lemon and mint, crunchy beans, samphire and garlic flowers. This may then be followed by grey mullet breaded in fig leaf and served chilled with garden tomatoes and fresh herbs, a tarragon bearnaise sauce and a tomato water.

This gourmet bolthole located behind the Arènes, just opposite the Musée de la Romanité, is run by chef Damien Sanchez, a local boy with stints at the Cabro d'Or, La Réserve de Beaulieu, Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle and, finally, in his hometown alongside Jérôme Nutile. Damien’s cooking hits the spot every time, thanks to a strong focus on vegetables and crisp, vibrant flavours that showcase regional ingredients: shrimps from Grau-du-Roi cooked in stock, bavaroise of broccoli and a spring roll of green cabbage stuffed with shrimps; lightly seared John Dory, grilled squash and a honey

Courgette flower soufflé, trout, sorrel from the garden and chanterelles; blue lobster roasted in its juices, white polenta with basil; verbena-infused apricots, red and black berries: Jean-Paul's seasonal cuisine wins diners over with its precision and generosity. Sandrine's solicitous welcome, the impeccable service and the hushed atmosphere in the two cosy lounges – just like home – add to the appeal of this restaurant nestled in a peaceful village a few kilometres from Uzès. Another highlight is the show cellar with its superb selection of local wines.

Veteran chef Jérôme Nutile is far from a rookie: "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" 2011, he notably presided over the heyday of Hostellerie Le Castellas, in Collias. In his Nîmes headquarters, a converted farmhouse, he celebrates the seasons: melt-in-the-mouth leeks cooked over Camargue fleur de sel, fondant of wild salmon confit; the iconic French hare ‘à la royale’ cooked two ways - in the style of Antonin Carême and Senator Couteaux's recipe, beautifully executed and equally tasty. Add to this slick friendly service and a fantastic list of regional wines, and you have everything you could ask fo