La Picholine en Provence

Laurent Azoulay cooks up Provençal cuisine channelling the spirit of a local bistro: beautiful stuffed tomatoes, Camargue rice with Nyons olives; Provençal-style pieds et paquets (mutton tripe and feet), mashed potatoes with olive oil. The fragrant, carefully prepared dishes are full of character, and some are cooked in the wood-burning oven of the open kitchen. The space has a contemporary bistro-style aesthetic; on sunny days, nab a table on the shaded terrace in the village square. Guestrooms are available for overnight stays.

You can't miss this 18C coaching inn with its blue cart on the roof, in a nod to René Barjavel's eponymous book in which he recounts his childhood in this part of the world. The spirit of the region is everywhere, from the terrace shaded by a reed canopy to the generous regional cuisine, examples of which are a terrine of marbled ham, warm potato salad with a spicy ravigote sauce and a decadent île flottante (egg whites in custard) in a culinary lineup as patriotic as the Marseillaise!

Nestling at the foot of a château that is famous for having welcomed Madame de Sévigné as a regular patron, this restaurant is the perfect embodiment of Provence's twin traditions of hospitality and good food: olive oil from Nyons, guinea fowl and diced vegetables from the Drôme are judiciously showcased by chef Benjamin Reilhes in the form of three tasting menus comprising several courses. One of the set menus draws entirely on plants. This restaurant is an ode to the Mediterranean's fine ingredients and Rhône Valley wines. Pastry chef Cédric Perret, meanwhile, creates desserts in harmony wit

A stone's throw from the Roman bridge, at the foot of the medieval town, the chef cooks up market-fresh cuisine. In tune with the seasons, it is often Provençal, and occasionally peppered with Italian or Mexican influences. To be enjoyed on the terrace when the weather is mild. A lovely place to sample dishes that are rich in flavours!

Locally grown tomatoes and fruit, Ventoux spelt and pork: the chef hits the spot every time courtesy of modern recipes rich in Provençal accents, like baked croaker paired with fennel in aioli and a foamy bisque or a cassolette of gambas and squid. Excellent value for money and a knock-out view of the Ouvèze from the spacious contemporary dining room.

In the deliciously homely dining room decked in miscellaneous paraphernalia, you will be treated to tasty regional fare presented in one season-driven menu. Examples include homemade rennet with foie gras or lacquered pork belly from Dieulefit with regional veggies. In fine weather, take a seat on the shaded terrace and savour the knockout view.

In the heart of the “truffle capital”, O’Rabasse sings an ode to good food that respects traditions. Everything is made from scratch by the chef, with the help of local suppliers and in line with the seasons. A truly pleasant meal, further enhanced by smiling, professional service.