Hotel Restaurant Le Gardon - Pont du Gard

In a picturesque village not far from the Pont-du-Gard, Denis Martin (ex The Marcel) and his wife Joana have set up shop in a handsome limestone building. The chef crafts spot-on, expressive dishes, in which lamb from Les Baux, Mediterranean seabass and the rich Occitan terroir take centre stage – to be savoured on the terrace or in the bright interior. A champion of regional produce, the chef crafts a festival of spot-on, well-balanced dishes. The weekday lunchtime menu is excellent value for money. Why not stay overnight in one of the attractive guestrooms and enjoy the swimming pool? In a n

Courgette flower soufflé, trout, sorrel from the garden and chanterelles; blue lobster roasted in its juices, white polenta with basil; verbena-infused apricots, red and black berries: Jean-Paul's seasonal cuisine wins diners over with its precision and generosity. Sandrine's solicitous welcome, the impeccable service and the hushed atmosphere in the two cosy lounges – just like home – add to the appeal of this restaurant nestled in a peaceful village a few kilometres from Uzès. Another highlight is the show cellar with its superb selection of local wines.

Young chef Hugo Mercier, who has worked at La Table d'Uzès and La Table du Castellet (during the Christophe Bacquié and Fabien Ferré periods), has learnt his trade in the finest kitchens! This conscientious chef is passionate about what he does, as well as being a stickler for house-made dishes and keeping things seasonal. That means he makes all the sauces, ice creams and other preparations himself. The lunchtime set menu, in step with the market stalls, changes every week. It is complemented at lunch and dinner by a more ambitious set menu, which is renewed every month – and even a vegetaria

Chef Stéphane Goudet has been valiantly regaling his guests in a style worthy of Molière’s Amphitryon since 1997 in this immense vaulted dining room whose stone walls are offset by the odd modern detail and soft lighting. A polished culinary lineup that stars fresh local produce and a reverence for the seasons: truffle in winter, lobster in summer (served on the patio), and whole hare in autumn. Slick, smiling service.

All around, nothing but narrow medieval streets and fields of lavender. In this corner of Provence, bathed in light, this elegant restaurant – done out in the colours of the South of France – adheres to the seasons as it sources sun-kissed ingredients. At lunchtime, a simple menu; in the evening, fine dining.