A Taste of Provence: Unearthing the Region's Culinary Gems

This article has been updated in June 2025.

La Chassagnette, Arles

In the captivating Camargue region near Arles, La Chassagnette is a Michelin-starred sanctuary for organic, garden-to-plate cuisine. Led by Chef Armand Arnal, this restaurant is renowned for its unparalleled freshness – much of what you savor is grown directly on their sprawling, biodynamic estate. It’s an experience that connects you deeply to the land, offering a distinct taste of the Camargue's bounty.

Where to Stay Nearby: L'Hôtel Particulier - For a discerning retreat within Arles itself, this elegant boutique hotel is set in a classical mansion with a stunning garden and pool. It offers a peaceful refuge, blending contemporary and traditional decor, and is conveniently located for exploring the city’s historic heart.

Le Jardin du Quai, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Le Jardin du Quai: Tucked away from the bustling crowds, off a quiet road, this garden gem almost escapes notice – a delightful secret. This old house-converted restaurant is outfitted with classic French antique bistro sets and a tapestry of stunning plants, florals, and sculptures. Its daily changing four-course menu, designed from the freshest provincial morning market finds, offers a taste of true local seasonality. A discerning wine and champagne list completes the experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

Where to Stay Nearby: La Maison Sur La Sorgue, just a few minutes' walk from the restaurant, offers a charming stay.

La Bastide de Pierres, Gordes

Conveniently positioned facing the iconic fountain roundabout (made famous in A Good Year), La Bastide de Pierres offers people-watching from its terrace as appealing as its excellent Italian fare. Their pizzas rival those found in Southern Italy, while the fresh Mediterranean fish options are equally compelling. The wine menu and desserts provide ample selections to extend this delightful, perched dining experience.

Where to Stay Nearby: L’Hôtel Particulier de Tingry in Ménerbes, a short drive away, offers a refined retreat.

Edù Restaurant, Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Situated in a former nursery north of town, about an eight-minute walk from the center, Edù is a true find. The restaurant, its verdant garden, and charming shop are the vision of Owner & Chef Edouard Giribone, whose mother thoughtfully designed the property. The garden-outdoor setting, complete with a refreshing freshwater dipping pool, is as appealing as the rustic open-kitchen interiors, making it an appealing spot year-round. The Mediterranean menu features Chef's staples and daily market specials with a French twist, all designed for sharing. Appetizers and desserts are highlights, with the seabream and crème fraîche baked potatoes noted as a preferred entrée.

Where to Stay Nearby: Le Petit Hotel, located right in town, offers a charming and convenient base..

Chez Paulette, Eygalières

In the heart of Eygalières, one of the Luberon's most beautiful villages, Chez Paulette is a quaint, lively, and authentic bistro. It serves seasonal and modern provincial fare. Paulette herself often takes orders, adding a personal touch, while her husband runs the art gallery across the street. Everything here feels homemade, and the setting is quintessential Provence: garden salads, crisp frites, seasonal tarts, roasted chicken, and local rosé. The mussels are a genuine must-try.

Where to Stay Nearby: Consider a stay at La Maison Hache. This discerning guesthouse offers spacious, individually designed rooms and suites. Its own Maison Hache Restaurant is also a celebrated destination, holding a Michelin star and known for Chef Christopher Hache’s precise, creative cuisine rooted in local terroir and seasonal ingredients.

Château La Coste, near Aix-en-Provence

The restaurants at Château La Coste are compelling rivals to the property's stunning art collection.

Restaurant Francis Mallmann: For a truly unique and fiery culinary experience, this restaurant, led by the eponymous Argentinian chef, pays homage to every ingredient through an extremely precise cooking process, often involving open flames. It serves cuisine with real personality, reflecting the spirit of the estate: natural, fiery, and timeless. The menu is inspired by Argentinian traditions, with an emphasis on grilled meats and hearty dishes. It is open for dinner every evening, and for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Italian Restaurant: For a more relaxed experience, make time for lunch at the estate's Italian restaurant. Here, desirable Neapolitan-style pizzas overlook the vineyards, often alongside a very discerning, diverse European scene.

Where to Stay: Château La Coste itself offers distinct accommodations on the estate, providing a comprehensive experience of art, wine, and design. Stay at their newly opened Auberge La Coste. This new and more accessible hotel offers 76 rooms and provides an intimate, simple Provençal living experience. It features its own restaurant, La Rôtisserie, and a charming pub-style bar, making it a wonderful way to experience the estate's magic.

Café du Progrès, Ménerbes

This authentic bistro in the heart of Ménerbes' old town offers delicious, creative food and genuinely friendly staff. Try to book a table on the balcony for a captivating view overlooking the quintessential French countryside. It's truly worth the visit.

Where to Stay Nearby: L’Hôtel Particulier de Tingry, only three minutes' walk from the restaurant, offers a refined stay.

Le Moulin, Lourmarin

Le Moulin's restaurant bases its offerings on local, fresh, and inventive ingredients – part of the delightful tradition of the Luberon. On a Monday evening, their terrace often sees every table filled. The menu highlights southern French cuisine, is well-priced, and offers a notable selection of natural wines and inventive cocktails.

Where to Stay: You can stay in the hotel itself; its rooms are generous in size, offer ideal comfort, and feature new bathrooms and lovely views.

Bon appétit!

84 Rooms recommends: Aix-en-Provence: A Provencal Masterpiece, and Summer In Provence - Where to Stay.