The Dordogne
A simple menu of charcuterie, cut by the friendly proprietor at the back of the small dining room, or large portions of duck confit, cassoulet and duck…
Must-see restaurants in Southwest France
Toulouse
Solilesse is noted for its creative, contemporary cuisine in a cool setting. The chef combines local ingredients with world spices to create appetising…
Limousin
Nicolas Eche creates hearty, beautifully presented dishes based on the produce of the season. Warm wood and stone walls make for a cosy dining room. It's…
The Lot
St-Cirq’s top table offers an enormous menu, ranging from nougat de porc (pork medallions) to country cassoulet. Escape to the little patio to catch…
Atlantic Coast
Set in a lovely old wiggly timber building in the heart of the old town, this character-infused restaurant squats on stone-paved rue Grande. Dining is…
St-Jean de Luz
It won't take long to peruse the menu at this old portside classic. It's essentially a choice of grilled sardines or grilled tuna – all freshly caught…
Tarn
Traditional Gascon cuisine and a medley of other regional French dishes are served in this fuss-free brasserie, from lamb shank with thyme to sirloin…
Bayonne
For a change from Basque and Spanish cuisine, Mario's place is a great bet. The Sicilian-born chef serves up quality, no-fuss Italian food, plus pizzas…
Limoges
One of Limoges’ fancier dining rooms, L’Amphitryon is in a delightful medieval timbered building and serves classically rich French cuisine, created by…
The Lot
Figeac’s lively Saturday morning produce market takes place under the 19th-century cast-iron arcade on place Carnot, with stalls also filling place…
The Dordogne
This cute raftered bistro is a local hang-out in the off-season, serving up hearty regional salads, lots of duck and crêpes. The staff is quite friendly,…
The Lot
Simple but charming, this little restaurant is best not for its basic local cuisine, but for its wonderful panoramic terrace overlooking the fortress.
Biarritz
A cute fishing-shack restaurant by the port, good for tuna, sardines or squid, with plenty of friendly banter from both the staff and other customers.
French Basque Country
Set on the banks of Hossegor’s lake, it offers the kind of view to get married to, and a shellfish and seafood menu you’d also marry if you could.
Atlantic Coast
Find this traditional address in an old stone building in the heart of Arçais. Decor is crisp white and modern, while fare is refined French bistro.
The Lot
Just on the Carennac side of the bridge, with drinks all day, and assiettes (platters) of local goat’s cheese, salads and charcuterie.
Lourdes
Lourdes’ covered market occupies most of the square. It's a fine spot for cheeses, charcuterie, antipasti and other good picnic fare.
The Lot
Dig into simple platters of cheese, meats and salads under a grape-covered pergola at this quick and casual place.
The Dordogne
Stop in for a crêpe or overnight in the B&B (double €60), at the foot of the Château de Castelnaud.
Parc National des Pyrénées
Cauterets’ covered market is a turn-of-the-century beauty, and a great place to assemble a picnic.
