Le Tresor

Eating

It was nice to come across a place with a genuine commitment to buying local and organic produce and we couldn't fault the culinary side of things at Le Trésor. Your Languedoc day will get going with an excellent breakfast, served in the high-ceilinged dining room which looks out to the Place de l'Église, or out in the garden when the weather is right. Delicious apple juice as well as mille fleurs honey comes from the village whilst your bread, pains aux chocolat and croissants are brought oven-fresh from the local boulangerie. Expect a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie, creamy yoghurt, homemade jams and a cafetiere of freshly ground coffee too.

Dinners are only prepared on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, though this arrangement can occasionally be flexible. Will and Tilly, both ardent Francophiles, were quick to embrace the local culinary mores. They prepared us a simply scrummy supper: an entrée of chicory, roquefort and pear salad was followed by magret de canard served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root veg, then a dessert of lemon posset topped with a fruit-of-the forest coulis ended the meal on a high note. Other house specials include poulet aux cèpes, braised sea trout, salmon en crôute and Will has mastered the art of that Languedoc culinary classic, cassoulet. The price of dinner includes a half bottle of local red wine as well as tea or coffee.

On evenings when dinners aren't being served, you'll need to jump in the car. The nearest place to eat is just 3km away in Chalabre, where you can choose between a simple pizzería or the rather more staid Hôtel de France. If you're happy to drive just a little further, Mirepoix has masses of restaurants, including the excellent Cantegrille. And if you're looking for top regional cuisine, and are happy to push the boat out, get Will or Tilly to book you a table at the Relais Royale. As well as first-class food, there's a sommelier to guide you through the extensive wine menu.