Un soir sous les étoiles

The owners of the fine dining Le Vivier establishment were happily inspired when they opened this bistro, blessed with a double terrace, in the heart of the Carré des Arts du Luberon. From his open-plan kitchen, the chef rustles up a forthright, modern take on traditional bistro recipes, in addition to nibbles with pre-dinner drinks and choice ingredients grilled on a binchotan barbecue (aged rib of beef, squid, presa iberica, etc.). A concise selection of regional (but not only) wines adds the finishing touch to an excellent, sun-drenched meal…

This gorgeous old Provençal bastide on the outskirts of Avignon upholds the hospitality traditions of the country inns of yesteryear devoted to good food and good cheer. Noble produce and classicism take front stage here, illustrated by loin of cod sautéed on a slice of bread with a trio of celery, leeks and peanuts, although the occasional more modern creation can also be found. Southern Côte du Rhône wines take pride of place in the cellar. Lovely terrace in fine weather and polished service.

This friendly restaurant is decorated in vibrant colours and is set in a 19C townhouse. It serves seasonal cuisine based on fresh local produce, which can be enjoyed in the courtyard when the weather is fine.

The restaurant's name hints at a love of nature, as fostered by Frédérique, who grows flowers and aromatic herbs for her husband Frédéric, a chef who puts them to good use in his dishes. Their restaurant showcases well-constructed and fragrant modern cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The menu-carte is the product of local, often organic, ingredients, with vegetables taking pride of place. We enjoyed tucking into a starter starring delicately smoked fresh goat's cheese ravioli, courgettes and verbena broth for its crystal-clear freshness, then the meagre accompanied by a briny beurre blanc

A pleasant young couple – Benjamin and Sophie Fabre – run this spruce and stylish restaurant, which boasts a terrace running alongside the picturesque River Sorgue. The dishes manage to encapsulate and convey both the character and the sweetness of Provence.