Les Tilleuls

Elegance reigns in this former porcelain manufacturer's house on the doorstep of Limoges. Works of art, Bernardaud tableware and a hushed atmosphere combine to create a refined experience. In the kitchen, Gilles Dudognon and his son Henri work together to cook up dishes using premium ingredients from the property's vegetable garden and producers in the region. The appealing menu features classics such as pithiviers and lamprey à la bordelaise, alongside more contemporary suggestions such as seared langoustines, cul noir bacon and shell foam. Charming guestrooms, too.

This restaurant in a peaceful village in the Corrèze hinterland charms with its tranquil setting and view of the Corrèze valley (especially from the terrace). The bright dining room with a festive atmosphere is the playground of chef Thomas Ceaux and his partner Pauline Gane, who works front of house. The chef cooks up seasonal cuisine that showcases the local terroir: Limousin veal, creamy peas and chorizo; crispy puffs with red berries, vanilla mascarpone cream, and strawberry and raspberry sorbet from Tulle. A place with a loyal following.

At Olivier’s Table, Pierre is in the kitchen, while his partner, Fanny, a talented pastry chef, oversees the front-of-house. Normandy-born Pierre has enthusiastically embraced Corrèze, his land of adoption, in this town centre stone house, whose modern furnishings and designer lighting are the epitome of elegant. The repertory, in tune with the zeitgeist and at bargain prices, ticks all the boxes: enticing, polished and colourful. Examples include poached oysters, marinated seabass with citrus fruit and a lemon-vodka sorbet; veal scallop and sweetbread, ravioles of chanterelle mushrooms and bl

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the work of a jovial, self-effacing chef, as modest as his food is good. Premium seasonal produce takes front stage in his dishes: free-range duck breast, purée of quince and prunes and a spicy gravy. Rugged, deftly crafted, lip-smacking food! In fine weather, head for the pretty terrace in the back garden.

This dinky establishment, in the hands of Cyril Auboiroux for some ten years now, rolls out a concise, inspired menu composed of a choice of three starters, three main courses and three desserts. Local produce steals the star roles (Limousin beef, Corrèze veggies, sturgeon and caviar from Dordogne), albeit with the occasional more far-flung gourmet escapade and unexpected creations like an amber beer ice cream. Artistic plating enhances the perfectly paired contrasting flavours. Delightful, professional front-of-house team.

Julien and Marion are the driving force behind this restaurant housed in a renovated municipal building, in which original old stonework meets contemporary furnishings. In the kitchen, Julien carefully crafts his dishes, loyal to local producers; Marion oversees the dining room with discretion and genuine warmth. The chef may revisit traditional dishes such as pâté en croûte and soufflé, but he also devises more contemporary dishes: crispy boudin noir dumplings, apple compote and sage-pineapple oil, or grilled Duroc pork with sauce charcutière and herby polenta.

An old café in the heart of this pretty village has been turned into a contemporary bistro by the Dutch duo of chef Tom Houdijk and cordial front-of-house manager Sarah van Baardewijk. The bistro vibe (banquettes, long tables, small bar) is in keeping with the menu, in which bistro classics – think beef tartare, sea bass fillet and crème brûlée – get a fresh and precise makeover. Colourful dishes, perfect cooking and meticulous details: a charming and welcoming establishment.