B&B HOTEL Aix en Provence Venelles

This 18C château is set in listed grounds with many species of trees, including an Atlas cedar planted by the late Queen Mother. The restaurant has taken up abode in plush sitting rooms on the first floor, while in summer, meals are served on the monumental terrace. The son of farmers from the Loire region, Marc Fontanne (formerly Le Prieuré at Villeneuve-lès-Avignon) started learning the ropes from his brother, a butcher and charcutier, at a young age. He serves three tasting menus, one of which is entirely vegetarian. Tempura and roasted dwarf broccoli with a red onion and basil jus; flame-l

Non-conformist chef Loïc Pétri cut his teeth in leading Parisian establishments (Jean-François Piège, Joël Robuchon) before going back to his roots in the south of France. In the heart of the historical part of Aix, in his intimate, contemporary-style restaurant with just 12 covers, he lets his inspiration run riot with a single set menu guided by the seasons. With bold associations and a savvy use of oils, spices and chillies, his free-spirited cooking elevates the finest ingredients, such as bass, lobster and sweetbreads, which are treated with care and dexterity. You can sense the commitmen

Olives, which are central to Pierre Reboul’s work, inspired both the low-key, natural interior of his restaurant and his cuisine steeped in creativity. In the stylish, intimate setting of the Renaissance Hotel, exclusive materials and olive-green shades set the scene. A terrace framed by two olive trees and a counter overlooking the open-plan kitchen add the final touches to the portrait. The Chef celebrates regional produce in dishes that look as good as they taste: trompe-l’oeil olives explode in the mouth, a delicate, inventive trilogy on a Mediterranean shrimp theme or a subtle, crunchy co

In a shady little side street in the old town, three young partners, les galinas (or "big boys" in Provençal), opened this bistro with a view to bringing back Provençal cuisine in the vein of grandma's home cooking. True to their watchwords of simplicity and flavour, they steer clear of exotic recipes and convoluted new takes on dishes; rather, they keep things local, when it comes to both the vibe and the food: Provençal-style tomatoes (a master class!), competition-level aioli, lamb tripe or monkfish raïto sauce to die for… thanks to the freshest ingredients and a sure hand. A warm welcome.

This delightful conservatory overlooks the peaceful square of the picture postcard village of Puy-Sainte-Réparade. Nadège Serret and Olivier Charmardiras jointly craft enticing market-fresh fare into a seasonal menu in the zeitgeist that changes weekly depending on availability, although some family favourites, like duck foie gras with a seasonal fruit chutney or a dessert pastry chou filled with a wickedly addictive praliné cream, are regularly featured on the menu. The bang-on confident cuisine and sensible prices bear witness to the couple’s sincere desire to please.

Understated luxury and stylish elegance on the heights of the town. The menu stars sun-drenched French fare served on low tables in superb lounges or on a peaceful terrace shaded by plane trees and overlooking the pool carved out of Rognes stone and adorned in statues and terracotta vases. The chef's signatures include grilled squid, jus of Provençal stew, ‘nduja seasoning and umbrine sautéed in fleur de sel with fennel purée and Alfredo sauce. The epitome of the good life in Provence!

One immediately falls under the charm of this contemporary and cosy decor (designer furniture, light wood and green-blue walls): a pleasant little place run by a pair who are eager to please. The chef prepares delicious seasonal dishes according to his inspiration. Meanwhile, the sommelier always has the right advice to guide you in your wine choice. A winning duo.