Les Trois Prunelles

In a lane of the historic town, this neo-bistro is depicted by a bubbly vibe and spot-on cooking in the zeitgeist. Chef Julie changes the menu constantly, rolling out modern indulgent recipes like grilled squid, melt-in-the-mouth Aubrac hanger steak and a small red fruit almond financier cake to finish. By her side, Michael’s carefully curated cellar unveils a natural wine focus. This bouncy, vibrant venue has captured the hearts of Figeac.

In the upper reaches of this village on the Causse de Limogne, this unusual restaurant is housed in an old stone farmhouse. It has been set up by a couple, sommeliers by trade and returnees from a stint in New Zealand, who learned the art of cutting meat from the village butcher, who happens to be the proprietress's father. As a result, they serve only local meats (from the Lot, Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne), prepared nose to tail, then matured, smoked, simmered, grilled or made into a terrine – accompanied by crispy, succulent chips cooked in beef fat. Don't miss the wood-fired leg of lamb, co