Bastide de Bellegarde

As you explore the winding lanes of Avignon, you may come upon this attractive restaurant with a large open-plan kitchen. The chefs deliver the food to the table themselves, while you drink up the savvy tips of an enthusiastic sommelier, who is something of a connoisseur of biodynamic wines. Mathieu Desmarest crafts a surprise menu depicted by legible, pared-down, balanced dishes, courtesy of seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers, enabling him to make the most of this cornucopia of impeccable ingredients (octopus, bluefin tuna, pigeon). The subtle and creative recipes and marriages of

Near Avignon, this remote Provençal farmhouse set between cliffs and vineyards does not compromise on authenticity. The scents of the garrigue fill the tastefully renovated interior, which sports a harmonious blend of period details and modern fittings. In the kitchen, Maxime is assisted by his father, Serge Chenet, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. The pair share a love of all things natural and the seasonal ingredients bursting with the flavours of this sun-drenched region. These Bretons, who haven't turned their backs on the staples of butter and cream, work together to concoct a tasty Provençal-

Red mullet, courgettes, peppers, artichokes and olive oil: chef Julien Gleize celebrates Provence on a picturesque square of the City of Popes, courtesy of drool-worthy dishes jazzed up with herbs and spices and a fondness for produce from the Atlantic. A seasonal score packed with flavour to be sampled in an urban interior dotted with vintage details or on a shaded terrace by a refreshing fountain.

Italia Palladino's second restaurant (the other being Italie Là-Bas), Café Roma boasts a prime location in the historical centre, at the foot of one of the towers of the Palais des Papes – admire the view from the terrace. The colourful interior decor with large golden mirrors adds to the charm. The dishes showcase the generous and fragrant flavours of the Mediterranean, incorporating the occasional Asian influence: grilled prawns glazed with ginger and soy sauce, Thai-style black rice served with swordfish and caponata.

Set within the historical walls of La Mirande, the mansion right next to the Palais des Papes, this fine dining restaurant is beautifully decorated. At your table in the superb 18C interior or in the gorgeous garden, tuck into delicious cuisine that exudes the flavours of the South of France.

Right next to the Palais des Papes, this medieval residence is steeped in history. Inside, cooking up a storm with the support of a motivated young team, chef Guilhem Sevin has devised a modern culinary repertoire. If possible, take advantage of the terrace overlooking the square. Nice wine list.

Good ideas, know - how... Julien Chazal, a young chef from Avignon, shows us how it's done! Furthermore, his seasonal cooking is visually meticulous, with presentations that leave nothing to chance. And let's not forget the down - to - earth, smiling service.