THE FACTS ABOUT LE MANOIR DE RAYNAUDES

France

This exceptional new maison d'hôtes, hidden in the bastide region between Rodez and Toulouse, is excellent value for money. It is owned by Peter Steggall and his partner, the former BBC Good Food editor Orlando Murrin, who does most of the cooking and grows his own ingredients. His culinary creations, a seven-course menu or elaborate dégustation include lighter versions of the hearty fare found in this part of south-west France and are eaten in a festive atmosphere around a communal table. The 19th-century farmhouse, one of just eight buildings in a hamlet surrounded by pastureland, has been updated along clean, contemporary lines and there is a chic lap pool in the back garden, which proves quite a draw despite the number of places to visit nearby, such as the medieval bastide town of Cordes-sur-Ciel. There are three guest rooms and four self-catering apartments. CONTACT Le Manoir de Raynaudes, Monestiès (00 33 5 63 36 91 90; www.raynaudes.com). Doubles from 110 euros B&B HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Rodez with Ryanair or to Toulouse with easyJet, British Airways or bmi baby. The house is less than two hours' drive from either airport. Or go by train to Toulouse