Tucked away in the sun-drenched hills of the Corbières, in the small Aude village of Fontjoncouse, the Auberge du Vieux Puits is a destination in its own right for food lovers travelling through southern France. Just minutes from Narbonne and Port-la-Nouvelle, this celebrated address pairs rustic charm with refined hospitality, set among vineyards, garrigue scrubland and rocky outcrops that define the character of the region.

At the heart of the experience is chef Gilles Goujon, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and three-Michelin-starred talent whose cooking is both playful and deeply rooted in tradition. Expect striking contrasts on the plate: elegant, inventive presentation alongside bold, honest flavours drawn from local kid goat, black pig and lamb, as well as Mediterranean fish and shellfish such as monkfish and eel. An impressive cheese selection and an adventurous, carefully curated wine cellar, guided by the resident sommelier, complete a menu built on genuine regional pride and craftsmanship.

Beyond the restaurant, Gilles Goujon and his partner Marie-Christine have created a boutique hotel that feels like a true retreat, with rooms scattered through the heart of the village and others overlooking a serene swimming pool. Whether you're stopping for an exceptional lunch, a milestone celebration, or a relaxed overnight stay, the Auberge du Vieux Puits offers a rare and memorable escape into the flavours and pace of the Corbières countryside.