Domaine le Vaxergues

This well-oiled machine on the banks of the River Orb, now home to two brothers – one a sommelier, the other a chef, was a cloth mill in a former life. Inside, granite and wood dominate the decor, while a glazed wine cellar stands in the centre as a reminder of the pivotal role played by wine here. The savvy wine list unveils a penchant for Languedoc-Roussillon (but not exclusively), with a host of insightful food and wine pairings. Chef Clément has opted for a southern slant that he interprets delicately and intelligently, as the fancy takes him. Friendly atmosphere courtesy of Benjamin's sea

L'Alicanta has been on the scene for a while, perched on the banks of the River Jonte, in the exceptional setting of the Gorges du Tarn. The chef puts in a solid performance, his cooking is replete with distinct flavours and his dishes are brilliantly assembled. Everything here is home-made and the menu changes with every season. Absolutely delicious!

From Conques to Rodez, where he relocated when he took over Émilie and Thomas Roussey's restaurant, chef Hervé Busset continues to present himself as a cook and harvester. The produce he gathers from the surrounding fields and forests is supplemented by purchases from the market opposite his new premises. Hervé's creative cuisine is dictated by nature: comfrey, marigold, hedge nettle, meadowsweet and nasturtium flowers grace the plates with harmony and finesse throughout the surprise set menu. Completely refurbished, the chic, inviting setting ensures privacy for guests. The sommelier has exce

In a narrow pedestrian street of Millau, near the Fontaine du Mandarins, the dinky Maison Seed is the lair of a globe-trotting couple. A vaulted dining room provides the backdrop to indulgent, fusion-style dishes that incorporate oils, vinegars, sourdough bread, etc, all made in-house, and available to take home. An intimate, eco-conscious restaurant that combines flavours from near and far.

Ortensia means hydrangea in Occitan and this is how it is spelt in the local lingo! Run by a sister-brother team, Lise and Mathieu, this restaurant is in a picturesque village miles from anywhere. The veteran chef is equally at home with gnocchi in gorgonzola and lobster as with duck from Landes, croaker from Corsica or apricots from Provence. Only the veggies and aromatic herbs are local, like mimosa-style celtuce (stem lettuce) from Pezènes-les-Mines and poutargue (fish roe). Super fresh produce and spot-on pairings depict the culinary scene, served in a bright, airy dining room-cum-conserva

A small medieval village. Tucked away from view, a 12C tower casts a shadow onto a stone wall, and behind this wall you come across this charming inn, which is certainly worth getting to know! Here they serve good traditional food that is at one with the monastic atmosphere of the place, all vaulted ceilings and stone walls.

It's a real family affair here at this attractive restaurant run by Danish chef Kasper and his wife Fé. The culinary programme comprises local ingredients, vegetables from the garden, foie gras and home-made bread (eg smørrebrød) and a scattering of subtle Nordic touches (salmon marinated in beetroot juice, hasselback potatoes). The bucolic terrace overlooks the 12C Pont du Diable ("Devil's Bridge") and the village, officially designated as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.