We are very lucky to be situated 5 minutes away from Villeréal which is a wonderful, vibrant market town. It is full of life and character and its shops and restaurants are busy all year round.

The weekly markets on Saturday and Wednesday mornings under the 14th century covered market hall are well worth a visit and great to source local and seasonal produce (and you will see this is where the locals shop). In summer, on Monday evenings local producers set up stalls selling their wares, and the market square comes alive with food, drink and live music. It's a lovely way to spend an evening.

It is a small bastide town, but punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink — it is well known throughout the area for the quality and variety of its restaurants, and is something of a hidden gem for anyone who loves to eat well. There are so many options to suit all tastes but here are some of our favourites.

Fromages et Plus sits right on the market square in Villeréal and is one of those places that's hard to leave. Pascal, Fanny and Rémy are passionate about what they do and between them have an encyclopaedic knowledge of wine, cheese and charcuterie — from exceptional local producers and further afield — and are always happy to share it. If you are planning a special dinner at Château du Rayet, they will help you put together a wine flight to match your courses, turning a meal into a proper occasion.

You can also simply pull up a chair on the terrace, or settle into the glamorous bar inside, and enjoy their informal dining — raclettes, grilled skewers, cheese and charcuterie boards paired with a glass (or two) of something local. We've spent many a happy afternoon and evening here, watching the world go by and working our way through the wines of the region. Rémy and Pascal are wonderful hosts and will make you feel very welcome from the moment you arrive. Highly recommended.

La Table de L’Europe is situated opposite the town's beautiful covered market. Chef Anaïs Teynié and pastry chef Julien Auroux have been creating a quietly impressive gastronomic experience since 2019, using fresh and local produce as the foundation for everything on the plate.  The menu ranges from a lighter lunchtime option right through to a seven-course tasting menu served as a carte blanche, making it equally good for a relaxed weekday lunch or a proper special occasion dinner. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Guide selection, Restaurant Guru and reviews consistently praise both the quality of the cooking and the warmth of the service. There is also a lively lounge and tapas bar with live music on Saturday evenings — a great option if you're after something more informal. Book ahead, particularly in summer.

L’aveole is also very well worth knowing about. Run by husband and wife team Jonathan and Mégane, the restaurant takes its name from the couple's own beehives, and offers creative, gastronomic cuisine with a strong focus on local and seasonal produce. Jonathan trained in some seriously impressive kitchens — including Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat — and brings that level of skill and precision to a relaxed, intimate setting in the heart of this beautiful bastide town. They also seek out flavours from wild and edible plants found in the surrounding plains and forests, Pays de Bergerac which gives the food a genuinely distinctive character you won't find anywhere else. The menu changes constantly to reflect what's in season, the wine list champions local producers, and the whole experience punches well above its price point. One of the best restaurants in the area — book ahead.

Nord Sud is a firm family favourite. It is warm and welcoming restaurant in the heart of Villeréal, run by Pascal and Fanny (also of Fromnage et Plus!) The menu is varied and unpretentious and there is genuinely something for everyone, which makes it a reliable go-to whether you're after a relaxed lunch, a casual evening out, or simply somewhere that works for all ages. The atmosphere is convivial and the service friendly, and it's the kind of place you find yourself returning to again and again. Do book ahead as it fills up quickly, particularly in summer.

Zio Enzo is, according to our children at least, home to the best pizzas in the world — and honestly, it's hard to argue. Set right on the market square facing the covered hall, Zio Enzo serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas alongside homemade gnocchi and pasta dishes full of southern Italian flavour. You can eat on the terrace, inside, or simply pick up a takeaway on the way home. A wonderfully cheerful evening out.

We also must mention Pâtisserie Rodot. Jean-Pascal, Andréia and their team create a magnificent range of pastries, viennoiseries, chocolates, ice creams and macarons are all made entirely in-house. The creations here are genuinely works of art — people travel from far and wide just to visit — and in summer the homemade ice creams are not to be missed. Upstairs, the salon de thé has two seating areas: one with a balcony overlooking the church, and another with a view directly into the chocolaterie kitchen where you can watch the pastry chefs at work — a treat in itself. You have to get there early to make sure you don’t miss the morning pastries which sell out quickly. If you need a cake for a special occasion during your stay, this is exactly where we would send you.