La cigale

In the heart of Le Rouret, opposite the church and in the shade of the plane trees on the boules court, this stone-built inn has a Provençal soul. Catherine and Daniel Ettlinger, accompanied by young chef Augustin Dupuis, propose a single set menu aligned with the market: mussels in saffron cream, pan-fried ceps and Paimpol coco beans, free-range chicken from the Tarn with olive jus, roast pear in a crispy puff pastry, and a truffle menu in season. The sunny terrace and chic, inviting interior provide a lovely setting in which to enjoy crystal-clear, sincere cuisine in which flavour trumps all

Whether outdoors, in the shade of hackberry trees or indoors, in the bistro dotted with old knickknacks, you will inevitably find yourself surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of faithful regulars. The chef ticks all the boxes in his open kitchen. A talented craftsman, he curates generous, seasonal dishes from fresh, premium ingredients in a Provençal register that hits the spot every time: chuck beef stew, braised vegetables, fresh tomato vinaigrette or red fruit pannacotta. The establishment is located in the left wing of the Maison des Terroirs, aptly devoted to promoting regional produce.

Here in the historical heart of the fortified town, Raphaël (on savoury dishes) and Marion (desserts) delight diners with their no-nonsense and full-flavoured bistronomy creations. At dinner, a tasting menu features the restaurant's namesake dish of spelt risotto with lobster. Don't miss the pastry chef's signature dessert: Caribbean chocolate mousse and cocoa sorbet.

This bistro in the heart of a medieval village has a short menu with an original concept: several starter + main course pairings built around a flagship ingredient, such as a vegetable, Mediterranean fish or meat, often Parthenaise beef from the family farm in Vendée. We recommend starting with an aperitif and charcuterie. Warm welcome; excellent wine list. Adjacent to the restaurant is a wine bar, which serves delicious platters.

A large patio and a spacious, modern interior with an open-plan kitchen set the scene for spot-on, bistronomic cuisine, steeped in the aromas and flavours of Provence and the Mediterranean. Tartlet of rockfish and artichoke with sumac; dentex with parsnips and a lemon-cardamon sauce; chocolate opéra cake. A cheerful, friendly vibe with wines by the glass from a magnum bottle…

The stylish, low-key Saint Martin Hotel, whose rooms command sweeping views over the hillsides of Vence and the Mediterranean, is most definitely a treat for the eye. In the plush dining room or on the breathtaking terrace, you will sample intelligently devised dishes underscored by high-flying craftsmanship and a sprinkling of inspired associations.

Fruit and veg from local producers, fish from local fishermen, meat from southwest France and a knockout lineup of Basque cheeses: the “flavour workshop” more than lives up to its name! Examples include fillet of Galician beef with a gravy laced in Espelette pepper and mashed seasonal veg… A 100% Basque menu is available to order, in tribute to the chef’s roots.