La Maison de Charlie

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

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

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

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

Arkhé (or arche) means both beginning, origin and principle – the Italian-born chef from Milan hasn’t forgotten his Greek philosophy classes! The menu changes weekly but you may taste “surprise” egg with courgettes and verbena; saddle of rabbit with artichokes and fresh mint followed by roast apricot with lavender honey and vanilla ice cream. Flanked by a shaded terrace overlooking the square of this delightful village in which a fountain plays, the location could not be more idyllic, and, who knows, maybe give us time to ponder the origin of taste…

Everything is fresh and made from scratch: the veg comes from small, local growers and the meat and poultry is free range. An enticing menu tailored to modern appetites. Smiling service.