Discreetly tucked away at the end of a road that cuts through the scrubland, a group of uncompromising Gard-natives crafted their ideal spot: a contemporary stone sheepfold with a shady terrace, a pantry filled by the neighboring farms and a set eight-course menu, dictated by the seasoned and prepared by Benoît Mauroux, a former architect and landscaper who has since returned home to his family farm. Now let’s talk details: a plump futomaki with eggs and a spicy herb coulis; foie gras mi-cuit, dried pork shank and capers, which boasts umami flavor and tangy notes; delicate and pearly cod on a soft bed of white coco beans and a carbonara cream; slow-roasted pork cheeks with a summer truffle parmentier; before a series of impressive desserts: poached peach with whipped cream and a rosemary crisp, plus a chocolate Reine de Saba with a sesame tuile and fig leaf ice cream. // N.L.

FEELING THIRSTY? There’s a superb selection of naturophile wines, for all budgets: a pet’ nat’ from the Domaine de l’Esperluette in Mauzac (€25 a bottle), a Tavel from La Mordorée (from €20 to €80) and a pastis that’s distilled in the Ardèche (€2.50).
PRICE: Set menu €45. Payment by card not accepted.