Hotel le Clos d'Orange

In the heart of the village, a spacious terrace shaded by a plane tree welcomes diners in fine weather. The interior boasts a confident neo-retro aesthetic, featuring zellige tiles, classic bistro tables, moleskin bench seating and antique trinkets. The brainchild of Mathieu Desmarest (Pollen, Avignon) and his partner, it proposes a short, seasonal and locally sourced menu, expertly delivered by the chef. Green pea gazpacho verde, brousse cheese and pickles; tuna steak, virgin olive oil, fennel and smoked paprika-infused yoghurt.

You are bound to enjoy your time in this stone-built house with a garden and pleasant terrace. The chef whips up well-constructed dishes – the likes of crab meat with candied orange peel, shellfish jelly and buckwheat, or a roasted sea bream served with a variety of cauliflower and seaweed. The wine list gives pride of place to organic and biodynamic wines. Charming service.

En route to the French Riviera, Paris's upper crust, including movie stars from Mistinguett to Jean Gabin and Fernandel, used to stop off in this village so beloved of wine buffs. The restaurant, still named after its 1922 founder, Germaine Vion, features huge murals evoking Belle Époque Paris, in the style of Toulouse-Lautrec, and a delightful terrace commanding a panoramic view. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine elevates the ingredients and vegetables of Provence. The splendid wine list includes a good selection of Châteauneuf-du-Pape labels.