There is a secret in the Lot Valley in the South West of France.If you were out there, ‘getting lost in France’, and you found yourself in the Lot Valley, you will be enchanted by the steep cliffs and the slow-winding river that greets you. This is a verdant valley of small farms and villages that seem to defy gravity as they cling to the rock face and sometimes burrow into it. The streets of these villages are peppered with small restaurants many of which have wonderful views out over the river and down the valley.So, what is the secret? No, it’s not the stunning and deeply moving caves of Pech- Merle (though these are a must), nor the small easily accessible beaches from which you can swim or paddle-board your way down the river, nor the small roadside bars that seem to have jumped out of an old French film with a Monsieur Hulot like table tennis set up, Boules, and shady terrace.No. The secret is NOUBAR, a small almost boutique residence half way down the valley. Whilst pretty and comfortable this small hotel makes you feel as if you are a personal guest of the couple who own it and take care of everything with consummate ease and a relaxed and un-pretentious charm. However, the icing on the pastries (literally) is the food. We had two evening meals and two breakfasts here and seriously couldn’t remember eating food like it for a long long time. The Croissants probably the best you will ever have, whilst the fresh poached eggs that come from the chickens that gently peck around your table as you look out over the lawn to the vegetable garden from where most of the ingredients come, is to die for.Everything to do with supper was sublime, lamb that melts on the tongue and starter, vegetables and desert to match with a selection of wine that just makes you happy.If you ask nicely there is even a personal chauffeur service to the local bar!So, would we recommend?...of course we would, but remember, don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret!Thank you Bernard and Noubar.Best wishes Bradley Adams Jude Law