L'Oree du ciel

Already chef at Vigne en Foule in Gaillac, Julien Bourdariès has opened a new place in a delightful brick and half-timbered house on the emblematic Place des Arcades in this medieval village. For lunch, the lively Auberge (open from morning to evening) proposes an amazing set menu at a bargain price, a choice of starters for sharing (charcuterie from the Tarn, pig's trotter croquettes etc) and dishes such as duck confit or veal fillet cooked in the open fire oven. Savvy selection of regional wines.

In the homeland of Jean Jaurès, this restaurant occupies what was once the property of Carmaux Mining Company. Unsurprisingly, it is an imposing building with all the elements of a classic bourgeois interior – herringbone floorboards, mouldings and a marble fireplace. It is invariably packed to capacity (tables get booked up a week in advance). Mexican chef Yazmine Geze has struck on a culinary formula that is winning over the locals and their palates. Mediterranean cuisine with a Mexican twist, for instance vegetarian toastaditas or flame-grilled beef. There's a short, beautifully crafted set