Ibis Golfe de Saint Tropez

Like every true enthusiast, Thierry Barot is a master of multi - tasking. Not content to offer tasty and appetising theme - based menus (vegetables, Provence, asparagus, truffles etc), he regularly runs cookery classes and is the author of a book of chocolate recipes. What a feast!

This lovely Provençal inn is full of character, with its exposed beams, flower arrangements and, of course, its collection of figurines (santons in French). The menu never gets boring, alternating between classic cuisine and contemporary dishes, such as rack of lamb with crispy new garlic, garnished with a millefeuille of candied peppers and chard. The traditional aged-rum baba with vanilla whipped cream deserves a special mention.

As you make your way up through the pretty paved streets of Grimaud to this enchanting leafy patio, you are already bewitched. Spread over two floors, the charm of this house is undeniable (light wooden floors, raftered ceilings, lime plastered walls, well-worn bench seating and soft lighting). The Quebec-born chef and his partner in charge of the front of house regale diners with spot-on market-fresh cuisine and a traditional culinary line-up, featuring family favourites like onion soup or French toast (of brioche) with a scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream to die for! Everything is made in

Standing among the vines, this former rustic farmhouse enjoys a fine panoramic view... But La Verdoyante would be nothing without the enthusiasm of the couple who hold the reins. In the stylish interior or on the charming terrace, diners savour delicious Provençal cuisine that smacks of the garigue.

Gassin, which comes from the expression Guardia Sinus, meaning guardian of the gulf, is a former Sarrazin village, occupied by the Moors until the 10C. After finding the house on Place des Barri, take a seat on the superb terrace and savour the view over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the peaks of the Alps. You are now ready to sample the house specialities: rock octopus casserole; truffle gnocchi and Grand Marnier soufflé. The Mediterranean-inspired recipes are crafted by an enthusiastic veteran chef and local lad – his grandmother used to live in the village! Food that throbs with flavour and