BASTIDE 7

This handsome mansion in the heart of Salon-de-Provence is the lair of Alexandre Lechêne. He treats diners to remarkably creative cuisine unveiled in surprise set menus that adhere to a single guideline: "Go with the flow"! The beautifully plated dishes showcase market garden produce and local fruit, such as flame-seared Mediterranean liche (fish) paired with a medley of parsnips and a fishbone stock. Fresh, tasty and perfectly seasoned! The combinations of ingredients can be daring but are always spot on and deftly crafted. The stylish interior sports mouldings, frescoes on the ceiling, Prove

In this restaurant near Aix-en-Provence, head chef Nicolas Bottero (previously in Grenoble) serves up exciting, flavoursome and fragrant cuisine. As a child, he used to spend time in the region visiting his grandmother, and has retained an affection for the colours of the South of France and an attachment to the land. You can tell as much from the green asparagus from Mallemort, sautéed à la minute, with creamy morels and a vin jaune emulsion, or the blood oranges on a baba au rhum infused with star anise and a refreshing sorbet. Local farmers are among his suppliers, and a small kitchen garde

Mathias Dandine, who is also the chef behind La Magdeleine in Gémenos, is at the helm of this old Provençal country house (or bastide) in this small village a short drive from Aix-en-Provence train station. Whether you are dining on the terrace shaded by plane trees or in the elegant, contemporary space done out in Mediterranean style, you are served Provençal cuisine inspired by the classics of Jean-Baptiste Reboul. Fine seasonal local produce, meticulous cooking, flavourful sauces, precise seasoning: chef Guillaume Lemelle skilfully conjures up delightful dishes such as octopus confit with s

Housed in the 17C vaulted room of an old wheat mill, this family-run restaurant would very likely have found favour with Rabelais's insatiable Gargantua! Dig into hearty seasonal fare that is meticulously prepared (the menu changes several times a week). The chef is also the author of a delicious signature dish: pâté en croûte (cold meat pie) of poultry and green veggies with a black garlic mayonnaise. The establishment is located in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Chamas' Poudrerie – the black powder mill founded in 1690. History, literature and good food: what’s not to like?

Open for lunch only (Tue-Sat), Atelier Salone is the bistro sibling of Villa Salone. In a laid-back atmosphere, dishes such as pig's-head pâté with sauce gribiche, confit of veal breast with glazed vegetables, or tarte Tatin with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream are served in a small dining room with a moulded ceiling and a fireplace, on the light-filled veranda or on the shaded outdoor patio.

In his home village, Antonin Wishart cooks up joyful cuisine using ultra-fresh ingredients from the market and the family's kitchen garden. The mouth-watering set menu changes daily; this son of winegrowers has also curated an attractive wine list. In short: a trendy bistro with relaxed, efficient service, and an urban vibe in the countryside! A charm offensive.

In front of the Canal Baussengue marina, a picturesque trattoria where waiters and clients call to each other in a cheerful and distinctly Italian atmosphere! Homemade fare (spaghetti, gnocchi etc), Parma prosciutto cut with the slicer, and the great Italian classics. The terrace is taken by storm in fine weather, as is the lunchtime chalkboard menu, excellent value for money.