Auberge de Pont-la-Vieille

Imagine a contemporary vessel built out of stone, iron and glass set in a medieval fortress with a 360° view of the surroundings, nestled in a medieval fortress that they owners fell in love with: Marie-Aude and the late Serge Vieira quickly turned this out-of-the-ordinary venue into an establishment whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of Auvergne. The chef's kindness and talent were appreciated by all; Marie-Aude continues to embody the sense of hospitality that meant so much to him. After working for many years alongside Serge, Aurélien Gransagne keeps the passion alive by elevat

Dominated by the feudal castle of Anjony (15C), the unspoiled village of Tournemire has preserved its flagstone roofed stone houses that are so characteristic of the Cantal region. This nearby contemporary establishment hosts a dining room flooded in light overlooking the countryside. The set menu is modern, creative and polished: foie gras delicately caramelised in muscovado sugar, or impeccably cooked line-fished croaker. A stylish setting that marries the comfort of a top-of-the-range hotel with fine dining ambitions, to the delight of foodies in the know.

Sébastien Bras has always been inspired by the Aubrac region, drawing ingredients (flowers, herbs, vegetables) from his natural surroundings and gardens to feature on the plate. In this futuristic building with a breathtaking view of the Monts d'Aubrac, the cuisine homes in on the terroir and can be accompanied by wine from the extensive list. Should you wish to stay overnight, there are lovely guestrooms with bay windows looking out onto the Aveyron countryside. From one generation to the next, Le Suquet continues to forge its own unique path.

Sodade is a song by Cesária Évora and a nod to the Portuguese origins of the late owner, Serge Vieira. In a large designer dining room or on the terrace overlooking the stream, you will sample dishes that are the epitome of tasty and simple. Pleasant guestrooms to stay longer.

In the picture postcard village of Tournemire, a renovated barn, whose bare stone walls and timber rafters have been preserved, is now the scene of an airy restaurant with a modern extension overlooking the Doire Valley. Managed by the same team as the Puy Tilleul, down the hill in the village, the menu highlights home-grown Cantal produce: locally sourced ingredients, tableware by local artisans and coffee roasted in Aurillac. Concise, polished menu dotted with nods to tradition, like truffade. Panoramic views from the picture windows and big-boned fare served with heartwarming sincerity.

To quote Cyril Attrazic: “I was in love with the Maison, even before I fell for cooking”. To explain, the Maison is the family hotel restaurant business founded by his grandmother in the heart of Aubrac, a high-altitude plateau that could be mistaken for the Mongolian Steppes. By virtue of farming traditions and the harsh climate, the restaurant doesn’t mess about with hospitality, albeit in a modern vein. The chef scrupulously applies the advice of his mentor, Michel Bras: only cook local ingredients (…) with an identity. He does just this, showcasing a giant cèpe picked in the next-door wood

This bistro is the more casual sibling of the iconic Auberge de la Tour, which is even more reason to stay overnight in the medieval village of Marcolès deep in the Cantal countryside. Whether it is in the vaulted dining room or on the pleasant alfresco terrace, you will sample deftly crafted regional recipes with a fondness for local produce: trout from the volcanoes, free-range poultry, Auvergne cheese, cottage garden veg… Examples: seed crusted trout, roast quail in Auvergne blue cheese, or a citrus fruit réligieuse pastry.