3 Best Restaurants in The Basque Country, Gascony, and Hautes-Pyrenees, France

With its legendary views of the Cirque de Gavarnie, this spot, which opened at the head of the valley in 1848, is well worth the one-hour hike up from the village. Despite its name, the hôtel is a restaurant, but not just any old one: the garbure here is as delicious as the view is grand; the eighth-generation owner claims his recipe, using water from the Cirque and cocos de Tarbes, or haricots tarbais (Tarbes broad beans), is unique.

This informal café close to the château has bamboo decor inside and comfortable chairs outside so you can sit along the boulevard. The owner roasts and grinds the coffee beans herself, and there is also a wide selection of teas, ice creams, and homemade cakes available.

If you want something quick and casual that still bears the stamp of Michel Guérard, try this latest addition to his culinary empire, an elegant café with a terrace on the main street. It specializes in croq'poules, a special version of the French staple, the croque monsieur. You can also choose from a soup of the day and a nice selection of desserts.