Fanchon des Sablons

This cleverly named restaurant (a pun on côteaux meaning hills and couteaux meaning knives) is housed in an old wine cellar. The region is well represented both by the delicious cuisine and by the excellent choice of local wines. Pleasant, contemporary decor and a terrace overlooking the vineyards.

In the heart of the village, a spacious terrace shaded by a plane tree welcomes diners in fine weather. The interior boasts a confident neo-retro aesthetic, featuring zellige tiles, classic bistro tables, moleskin bench seating and antique trinkets. The brainchild of Mathieu Desmarest (Pollen, Avignon) and his partner, it proposes a short, seasonal and locally sourced menu, expertly delivered by the chef. Green pea gazpacho verde, brousse cheese and pickles; tuna steak, virgin olive oil, fennel and smoked paprika-infused yoghurt.

Near Avignon, this remote Provençal farmhouse set between cliffs and vineyards does not compromise on authenticity. The scents of the garrigue fill the tastefully renovated interior, which sports a harmonious blend of period details and modern fittings. In the kitchen, Maxime is assisted by his father, Serge Chenet, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. The pair share a love of all things natural and the seasonal ingredients bursting with the flavours of this sun-drenched region. These Bretons, who haven't turned their backs on the staples of butter and cream, work together to concoct a tasty Provençal-

On the other side of the Rhône, opposite Avignon and the Palais des Papes, the small town of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon also boasts its fair share of monuments, of which Le Prieuré is one such. This old cloister, oozing in charm, provides the perfect foil to enjoy creative cuisine made with first-rate ingredients. The surf and turf combinations are sometimes bold but hit the spot every time (langoustine with rhubarb and Bigorre black pork) thanks to big-boned flavours.

On a hilltop in the heart of the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, this flamboyant miniature Palais des Papes commands superb views over the vineyards, the Alpilles, the Luberon and Mt Ventoux. The restaurant serves delicate cuisine inspired by Provence and the Mediterranean: line-caught pike-perch, courgette flower and ricotta, shellfish jus; Costières de Nîmes pigeon cooked whole, corn with black garlic and Albufera sauce. All washed down with wines from the estate.

En route to the French Riviera, Paris's upper crust, including movie stars from Mistinguett to Jean Gabin and Fernandel, used to stop off in this village so beloved of wine buffs. The restaurant, still named after its 1922 founder, Germaine Vion, features huge murals evoking Belle Époque Paris, in the style of Toulouse-Lautrec, and a delightful terrace commanding a panoramic view. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine elevates the ingredients and vegetables of Provence. The splendid wine list includes a good selection of Châteauneuf-du-Pape labels.

In this charming stone farmhouse, set amid vineyards and fields, the chef cooks up flavoursome seasonal Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine – using carefully selected ingredients, it is simple but delicious. When the sun is out, head to the pleasant terrace sheltered by plane trees. But whatever the season, you can expect extremely friendly service. They also have a handful of guestrooms decorated in a contemporary style.