Villa du defens

At the boundary of the village, this establishment is nestled in a fine Provençal house complete with a terrace beneath an arbour. On one side is a table d'hôte set up to face the glass-paned kitchens, on the other is a cosy dining area decorated in pastel and olive-green tones. Chef Nicolas Seibold (previously at La Mutinerie in Lyon, featured on French TV's Top Chef, Le Negresco, La Dame de Pic and Ledoyen) is supported by his partner Clémence Bellemin, who provides smiling service. After carefully selecting his suppliers (fishermen from Le Grau-du-Roi, local market gardeners), this creative

Christophe Bacquié greets diners like old friends in his gorgeous farmhouse set in peaceful countryside, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. With his wife Alexandra and a closeknit, committed team, all of whom share his passion for Southern France and its produce and wines, Bacquié unfolds a single set menu with a strong Mediterranean identity. With flavour as his watchword, he crafts the finest ingredients simply and transparently and we were delighted to see some of his signature dishes, such as his modern aioli and his vision of iced Calisson, in pride of place on the

Nadia Sammut is committed to "building a better-tasting world". Gluten, refined white sugar and milk have been banished from her kitchen, in favour of an impressive move towards different types of flour and fructose. Her vision is also reflected in the original and bold tasting menu, which has a particular focus on vegetables and draws on the history of the region and Nadia's family. Her partner Ernest, who is passionate about wine, selects and matures fish slaughtered according to the ikejime method. The vegetable garden also has its part to play in creating healthy and natural Southern Frenc

This iconic Luberon restaurant is run by a talented team headed up by chef Noël Bérard. His modernised take on Provençal cuisine finds joyful expression in two tasting menus, one of which focuses on plants. High-quality ingredients (including veal from Gordes, trout from the River Sorgue, oysters from the Camargue, pork from Monteux etc), bold sauces and jus and a delicate style. There is a magnificent terrace from which you can admire the sunset. Also of note in this enchanting setting in the heart of Provence is the wood-fired cooking at La Bergerie, and of course the comfortable guestrooms

Chef Julien Allano (La Mirande, Le Clair de la Plume) chose to go it alone and set up shop in this beautiful traditional building in the heart of the village. In an interior with exposed stonework, the chef can be seen at work behind a wooden counter. Meanwhile, guests are seated on handcrafted furnishings made of untreated walnut wood – a decor that oozes style. The carte blanche menu, which is divided into several sections, reflects the season from day to day. Heirloom varieties of wheat, peanuts from Malataverne, green beans from a neighbouring farm and pigeon from Sarrians are just some of

Venture into the business park and make your way to this handsome contemporary establishment – you won’t regret it! In a spacious, comfortable conservatory-cum-dining room, chef Pierre Grein curates a modern score of Provençal leaning, steeped in delicacy and high-flying technique: gnocchis with girolles, cream of mushroom soup; local squab roasted whole with fluffy dauphinoise potatoes; a trompe l’œil strawberry and pistachio tart… The sauces and jus deserve a special mention, as does the slick, friendly service.

Set in deepest Provence, Mane is both picturesque and steeped in history, which is also true of the 17C Couvent des Minimes, whose admirable restoration has retained its period charm. This provençal Arcadia is home to a luxury hotel, with swimming pool, spa and a fine dining restaurant, named after Louis Feuillée, Louis XIV's botanist, who was born in the village. The kitchens are masterfully run by Louis Gachet, MOF 2023, who seamlessly navigates between his native Burgundy and Provence. Bold dishes and exquisite sauces exemplify the creative consummate culinary talent of this virtuoso chef.