Logis Auberge de la Tour — Restaurant in Aurillac

We decided to escape for a gastronomic weekend to a part of France about which we knew little. As luck would have it the weather was exceptional, so the views, breathtaking as a consequence, though the Cantal is a long way from Paris. The auberge de la tour is situated in the middle of a quaint, quiet Auvergnat village surrounded by cows and forests. Reservation was easy by telephone, with a welcoming voice, and the description of the establishment in its website was utterly accurate. The renovations were nearly finished and the rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, with a particular mention for the comfort of the beds. The only negative point was the lack of a shower in our room, where a jacuzzi was installed. A jacuzzi is nice but less so if one wants to refresh before dinner. We opted for the 8 course tasting menu the first night, which met all expectations of a Michelin started restaurant. Our wine was well selected by the attentive sommelier. The second night, we were not hungry, as we had been invited for lunch, but nevertheless the chef/owner made us a special soup. This was a lovely touch as I can only imagine how busy the kitchen becomes on a Saturday evening. Breakfasts were simple but delicious and comprised a selection of local products. The bread served at breakfast and in the evening was to die for! The best surprise as we left was the bill - outstanding value for the quality of cooking and comfort offered. Go there before it becomes...

We decided to escape for a gastronomic weekend to a part of France about which we knew little. As luck would have it the weather was exceptional, so the views, breathtaking as a consequence, though the Cantal is a long way from Paris. The auberge de la tour is situated in the middle of a quaint, quiet Auvergnat village surrounded by cows and forests. Reservation was easy by telephone, with a welcoming voice, and the description of the establishment in its website was utterly accurate. The renovations were nearly finished and the rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, with a particular mention for the comfort of the beds. The only negative point was the lack of a shower in our room, where a jacuzzi was installed. A jacuzzi is nice but less so if one wants to refresh before dinner. We opted for the 8 course tasting menu the first night, which met all expectations of a Michelin started restaurant. Our wine was well selected by the attentive sommelier. The second night, we were not hungry, as we had been invited for lunch, but nevertheless the chef/owner made us a special soup. This was a lovely touch as I can only imagine how busy the kitchen becomes on a Saturday evening. Breakfasts were simple but delicious and comprised a selection of local products. The bread served at breakfast and in the evening was to die for! The best surprise as we left was the bill - outstanding value for the quality of cooking and comfort offered. Go there before it becomes...

Marcoles is back of beyond but Auberge de la Tour completely fulfills Michelin's standard for a restaurant with rooms worth a detour.

Comfortable-plus, peaceful accommodation in an imaginatively decorated bedroom. Kettle, leaf tea, ground coffee and caffetiere provided atop a small fridge. Modern bathroom with luxe toiletries.

Ample private parking behind with Tesla Destination Chargers gratis.

Beautifully appointed dining space undergoing an acoustic upgrade to lower the volume from chatterbox diners.

Sparkling service from the sommelier who took notes on my favourite cocktail (Le Boulevardier) and guided us through the selection of local wines, ranging from bargain bottles to some rather lofty big names. We went a Puy de Dôme local red.

We elected for the seven service menu and were delighted. Many chefs talk the terroir talk but Renaud Darmanin delivers. Each item fresh, inventive and sang of the autumn in the Cantal region, many created from the auberge's own garden . All courses exceptional in presentation, aroma, texture and flavour. Too many fine details...