The Luberon
Cuisines du monde is what’s on offer at this charming little bistro – in other words, a little bit of everything, from a splash of Asian spice to a…
Must-see restaurants in Provence
Marseille
This deceptively shabby-looking restaurant opposite Plage des Catalans has been the culinary pride and joy of the Michel family since 1946. Contrary to…
Vaucluse
The Geraniums makes a sweet spot for a country lunch (washed down with a glass of local wine, of course). It's a century-old old auberge – beamed inside,…
Aix-en-Provence
Smack bang in the centre of old Aix, this jolly little restaurant specialises in southwestern cuisine, which means copious amounts of duck, rabbit and…
Marseille
Peron is a premium address for seafood in Marseille, with the advantage of a stunning cliftop perch and views over the water to the Îles du Frioul. Expect…
Parc National du Mercantour
Classic French food, friendly service and a pleasant parasol-shaded street terrace make this one of Digne's better dining options. Expect dishes such as…
Vaucluse
This renowned restaurant is still a destination address in Vaison, if only for its lovely riverside setting in a former olive-oil mill. The menus are…
Marseille
It doesn’t get more Gallic than the 'Dugo' – chalkboard menus, wooden floors, vintage signs, giant mirrors and whip-smart waiters. Soak up the atmosphere…
Avignon
From the checked tablecloths to the booth seats, handwritten blackboards and vintage signs, this reliable bistro is a fine spot for hearty French dishes,…
Avignon
Forget flowery French descriptions. The menu is straightforward and to the point at this bistro-bar, where the stark white furniture and studiously…
The Luberon
Apt’s huge Saturday-morning market attracts hordes of locals and tourists alike. If you really want to see what a marché Provençal is all about, then make…
Les Calanques
This seasonal restaurant with excellent views has the best food in the Calanque de Sormiou. Reserve ahead – by phone only – which allows you to drive your…
Avignon
Le Marmiton, the super-formal restaurant of Hôtel La Mirande, offers cooking classes (from €90) and a twice-weekly chef’s table (reservations essential)…
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
The pick of the places to eat in Banon: an informal bistro-bar, which has a prodigious selection of local wines by the glass, partnered with delicious…
Vaucluse
Seasonal ingredients underpin everything at this charming village restaurant, so the menu changes throughout the year – but the flavours are always 100%…
Vaucluse
Run by Nicolas and Andrea Bofelli, this is another superior, if rather cramped, address for Provençal dishes like crusty pork belly and roast veal. The…
The Luberon
Pretty much the only place to eat in Oppède-le-Vieux, great for inventive Provençal dishes: homemade tapenades, onion tarts, fish and meat in herby sauces…
Vaucluse
Underneath Carpentras' 15th-century clock tower, this old village townhouse turns up surprises: a salon-style dining room decorated with Venetian lamps…
Var
Set back from the port’s hustle, this stylish place is good for gourmet Mediterranean cuisine. The best tables are on the streetside terrace, or there’s a…
Arles
There's a French portion to the menu at this popular Moroccan brasserie by the Rhône, but we strongly recommend you stick to wonderful Maghrebian…
Vaucluse
Old-school French dining is the order of the day at Auguste's Cave – an apt name, as the restaurant is half-built into the rocky hillside. Food-wise,…
The Luberon
Pleasant, if plain, French food is what you can expect at this longstanding restaurant in the town centre: roast duck, thyme-infused lamb and a fish of…
Marseille
Perched right on the water's edge in the port of Madrague, south of Marseille, this little seafood place specialises in the day's catch à la plancha …
Vaucluse
For picnics by the river, this excellent bakery has no shortage of foodie fare: big baguettes, homemade pastries and nougat, and the house speciality, bun…
The Luberon
Simple tapas, cold beers and a nice location on a tree-shaded square – the 'Spanish Inn' makes a pleasant spot for a quick lunch or pre-dinner snacks.
Avignon
Over 40 food stalls showcase seasonal Provençal ingredients. Cooking demonstrations are held at 11am Saturday. Outside on place Pie, admire Patrick Blanc…
Marseille
A good lunch bet, this small Italian deli serves pastas, ciabattas, salads and antipasti, and sells top-class Italian goodies to take away. Good Italian…
Bouches-du-Rhône
St-Rémy's most refined patisserie is elegant for afternoon tea – accompanied by the most delicate of French fancies, bien sûr.
Bouches-du-Rhône
Excellent pizza and pasta with a Sicilian spin – but the wonderful rooftop terrace is the bit that seals the deal.
Marseille
Baking some of the best pastries near the Vieux Port, Le Pain de l'Opéra also has plenty of savoury options.
Marseille
The south-facing terrace of this relaxed 'corner bistro' is usually thronged in good weather. But the locals aren’t here for the sun so much as expertly…
Var
Tradition rules fierce and strong at this no-frills village inn, which doubles as the local bar-tabac (cafe-tobacconist). For locals, this is the place to…
Aix-en-Provence
The peasant flavours of Corsica are given free rein at this backstreet bistro – from big platters of Corsican charcuterie to a wine list with some of the…
Marseille
The food is decent all-purpose French (entrecôte, foie gras, boeuf tartare, crème brulée, burgers etc) but what really appeals about this club-like…
Bouches-du-Rhône
Inside an old fisherman’s house with pale-grey shutters and a leafy veranda, Le Miroir cooks up a bounty of seafood: poutargue (pressed grey mullet roe),…
Var
This friendly, busy spot on Hyères' pleasure port provides a wonderful backdrop of gleaming waves and gently rocking yachts for a relaxed meal on the…
Pays d’Aix
The true attraction of this wayfarers' inn, which is a little close to the D65 to be truly restful, is the stunning, triple-tiered Aqueduc de Roquefavour,…
Var
Local produce – especially chestnuts, which appear in soups, crème brûlée, and many other dishes when they're in season – is a feature of the excellent…
Arles
A great lunch option, with a counter brimming with picnicky treats – sandwiches filled with inventive ingredients such as Roquefort and cèpe crème …
Arles
Based on the ground floor of Le Calendal, this bright and breezy cafe does a nice line in lunchtime sandwiches and salads, plus offers a tempting choice…
