Restaurants in Arles and Les Alpilles
Arles is one of the major tourist attractions in France. During the summer it flows over with tourists, even the shoulder seasons are rather busy. In other words not exactly a place for someone seeking a hideaway in the Provence. But with some proper planning you might be able to enjoy even Arles. Yet, if you can, try to come here during the shoulder seasons; less heat, still a lot of tourists, more parking space, more enjoyment. Quite a different story in Les Alpilles. You will be able to find a quiet spot during the summer time, even in St.Rémy de Provence. Only exception is Les Baux, which is pretty busy most of the year.
Now, let's explore a number of restaurants in or near Arles and Les Alpilles.
Restaurants in France are generally open from 12:00 – 2:00 PM for lunch and 7:00 – 9:00 PM for dinner (best time to arrive: 7:30 - 8:00 PM). As most restaurants are closed on at least 1 day a week it is advisable to phone in advance in any case (the phone numbers listed below are local calls but in France you always need to dial the full number).
Reservations are a must during vacation times. Restaurants are listed by location in alphabetical order. Prices are approximate, the standard lunch menu is mentioned first, three course dinner last, wines not included.
Lou Marques, Arles, in the Hotel Jules César, an oldtimer on the Bld. des Lices with ample seating outside to watch the goings on. Traditional French cuisine with an excellent wine cellar. No fancy experiments, but excellent quality. Prices: Euro 35 - 55. 9 boulevard des Lices, 13200 Arles, Tel: 04 90 52 52 52
La Gueule du Loup, Arles Don't be discouraged by the initial perception of the size of the restaurant, there are additional rooms upstairs. The welcoming is charming. The midday menu concentrates on light dishes, mainly well prepared salads. Including a dessert and coffee it will cost you about Euro 12. The menu runs runs at around Euro 25, a variety of well prepared dishes from fish to duck to meat. Plates are copious and price/quality is good.
29 Rue des Arenes, Arles, Tel. 04 90 96 96 69
Aubin de Thym, Arles An elegant and intimate restaurant with friendly service, offers an original and creative Provençal menu at civilized prices of around Euro 17.
22, Rue du Docteur Fanton, Arles, Tel: 04 90 49 95 96
Lou Caleu, Arles Behind the small door is one of the best kept secrets of Arles, a restaurant offering savory traditional Provençal dishes at reasonable prices. Menus range from Euro 18 - 25. 27 Porte de Laure, Arles, Tel: 04 90 49 71 77
Le Pistou, Arles Serious cooking here, one of the best Provençal kitchens in Arles. La Gardienne de Taureau (beef stew), a traditional dish of the Camargue, is well prepared; so are the fish dishes. Excellent desserts, especially the chocolate desserts.
30-bis Ronde Point des Arènes, Arles, Tel: 04 90 18 20 92
Plein Sud, Arles Warm and welcoming, this restaurant serves creative dishes of the region. Prices range from Euro 12 for a midday light lunch and Euro 30 for a weekend splash.
6, Rue de la Rotonde, Arles, Tel: 04 90 96 94 76
La Chassagnette, Le Sambuc (near Arles), in our opinion one of the best in the Arles region. It uses organic products for an innovative, yet regional cuisine. We especially liked the many small tapas dishes. Prices: Euro 20 - 55. Rte.D36 (Rte. du Sambuc), 13200 Arles, - 13200, Tel: 04 90 97 26 96, from Arles take D-570 to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and then D-36 to Salin de Giraud; the restaurant is 2.5 km before le Sambuc on the right side, 15 km from Arles.
Le Mas de Peint, Le Sambuc (near Arles), the hotel and restaurant is a favorite of many visitors to the Camargue region. Rustic setting on a typical Canmargue farm. Excellent yet down to earth regional food fitting the ambiente. Prices: Euro 30 - 60. Same directions as to La Chassagnette, but continue through le Sambuc, turn left after 2km to Pâtis/Anes and follow the signs.
La Table de Marguerite, Beaucaire A little bit out of the way, near Tarascon 16km North of Arles, this restaurant is well regarded. Located in an old farm house, you can sit outside, lots of shade, friendly service and impeccable Provençal dishes. Menus: Euro 16 - 22.
Mas de Casole, Beaucaire, Tel: 04 66 59 17 00
Sous les Micocouliers, Eygalières an oldtimer in this nice village. Good Provençal cuisine at still reasonable prices. Wonderful setting. Prices: Euro 20 - 35. Traverse Montfort, 13810 Eygalières, Tel: 04 90 95 94 53
Chez Bru, Eygalières a wonderful restaurant, albeit a bit expensive, located in this beautiful historic village East of St.Rémy. Excellent Provençal cuisine. Depending on the occassion you might want to consider its smaller cousin under same ownership, Le Petit Bru. Prices: Euro 30 - 90. Rue de la République, 13810 Eygalières, Tel: 04 90 90 60 34
Côte Jardin, Les Saintes Maries le Mer, we were hard pressed to find a decent restaurant for a light lunch. This one is located on the main restaurant row leading to the Plaza de Toros; it offers a limited menu at reasonable prices. Amongst the many average restaurants probably the best choice. Prices are around Euro 15. 3, Rue Frédéric Mistral, Les Saintes Maries le Mer, Tel: 04 90 97 89 76
Alain Assaud, St.Rémy de Provence one of our favorite restaurants in St.Rémy. We like the authentic regional cuisine using fresh produce and excellent preparation. Try the outstanding desserts - wonderful. Prices: Euro 35 - 60. 13 Blvd. Marceau, 13210 St.Rémy de Provence, Tel: 04 90 92 37 11
Grain de Sel, St.Rémy de Provence, you dine in style here: decor, service and ambiance are very pleasing. Southern French cooking, generous portions and a good wine list. 25 Boulevard Mirabeau, 13210 St.Rémy de Provence, Tel : 04 90 92 00 89.
La Maison Jaune, St.Rémy de Provence located in an elegant old mansion. We had a wonderful dinner here. Innovative and varied cuisine, new but very pleasing ideas for the French cuisine. Prices: Euro 35 - 60. 15 rue Carnot, 13210 St.Rémy de Provence, Tel: 04 90 92 56 14
Le Saint Georges, St.Rémy de Provence, the restaurant of the boutique hotel Domaine de Valmouriane, serves a classic cuisine with Provençal touches. Charming country setting. Prices: Euro 35 - 75. Petite Rte. des Baux (Rte.D27), 13210 St. Rémy de Provence, Tel: 04 90 92 44 62.
Chez Xa, St.Rémy de Provence a neat little bistrot run by husband and wife. They offer a limited but interesting menu. Every dish is lovingly prepared. We liked it very much - prices are great. Congratulations. Prices: Euro 25 - 30. 24 Blvd. Mirabeau, 13210 St.Rémy de Provence, Tel: 04 90 92 41 23
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