Les Mas du Peintre

This couple who earned their stripes in the industry have transformed this charming Périgord mill – a water-powered sawmill, to be precise – into a peaceful country restaurant. The stream that drives the cogs can be seen beneath the restaurant through the glass floor panels. The chef rustles up delicious food that is very much in tune with the times – eg fillet of roast Limousin beef, topped with a good red wine jus and accompanied by Noirmoutier potatoes. They have a lovely shaded terrace, and the proprietress provides attentive service.

In front of an elegant 19C freestone building, the terrace laid out on a balcony looks onto the Dordogne valley. Inside, herringbone hardwood flooring, immaculate white walls, delicate mouldings and green or beige velvet seats make for a refined setting that is both chic and cosy. The chef, a keen traveller, turns his hand to two types of cuisine: brasserie style at lunchtime and fine dining in the evening. He only uses top-notch produce, which he cooks to perfection. Some of his dishes are infused with subtle Asian notes, for instance his lemongrass prawn bisque.

This spruce stone house has earned a fine reputation for itself in the Périgord noir. Chef Bruno Marien curates a vibrant modern score featuring premium regional produce: free-range geese, partridges, whole carcasses and fruit and veg from local growers. The shaded patio by a fountain is bliss come summertime. Never fails to deliver the goods!