Restaurants: Vaison la Romaine, Carpentras & Environs
Sérignan du Comtat
Le Pré du Moulin The hotel needs a bit of TLC (tender loving care), but the restaurant is top notch. The 18th century building, first a mill then the local primary school, has a lovely courtyard with plane trees. The Michelin 1-star restaurant offers a good selection of refined yet typical dishes of the Provence. Once in the village center follow the signs to Camaret sur Aigues, the entrance is on the left approx.150m after the village square. Can be easily missed. Prices: €25-39. Rte. Sainte Cécile les Vignes, 84830 Sérignan du Comtat, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 70 14 55
Sainte Cécile les Vignes
Campagne, Vigne & Gourmandises Appropriately named after the main features of the Côtes du Rhône: countryside, wine and gourmet food. French classics with the extra touch. A fine place to unwind amidst the vineyards. The restaurant is located just outside Ste.Cécile les Vignes on the road to Suze la Rousse. Prices: €21-32. Rte.de Suze la Rousse, 84290 Ste.Cécile les Vignes, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 63 40 11
La Farigoule You find solid Provençal cuisine here in this small hotel located in Ste.Cécile les Vignes on the right side of the main road from Carpentras to Bollène. Drawback: The outside terrace is far too noisy for our liking. Prices: €19-39. 26 Cours Trintignant, 84290 Ste.Cécile les Vignes, Tel.: +33 (0)4 90 30 89 89
Uchaux
Côté Sud Jean-Michel, a convevial Breton who settled in this lovely village in 1985 with his wife Florence. He offers a delightful, refined Provençal cuisine with his own personal touch. Prices: €24-36. Route d'Orange, 84100 Uchaux, Tel: 04 90 40 66 08
Le Temps de Vivre Thierry Bonfante and his wife Audrey have converted a former pizzeria in the tiny hamlet of Les Farjons, a part of Uchaux, into a fine restaurant. The cuisine is hearty country style using local produce and ingredients. Good price/quality. Prices: €15-30. Les Farjons, 84100 Uchaux, Tel: 04 90 40 66 00
Vaison la Romaine
Auberge la Bartavelle Cozy restaurant in the town center (a bit difficult to find), but always full of locals. Dining room in Provençal style with many photos of Marcel Pagnol, the Provence's formeost novelist. The dishes are well prepared, a good place to savor traditional French cuisine. The € 28 dinner menu is excellent value. Prices: €16-28, 12 Place de Sus Auze, 84110 Vaison la Romaine, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 36 02 16
Le Bateleur, Vaison la Romaine Energy has returned to this place under the mastery of Christophe Bonzi, of Le Mesclun in nearby Séguret. Enjoyable dining in this quaint little restaurant next to Vaison's famous Roman bridge. Flavor and appealing presentation are big here. The tab is easy and adds points to the good value. Prices: €17-29. 1 Place Théodore Aubanel, 84110 Vaison la Romaine, Tel: 04 90 36 28 04
Bistro du'O Trendy bistro in Vaison's medieval quarter. Contemporary decoration, exposed stone work and vaulted high ceilings. Simple, well chosen menu changes daily. Well priced wine list by the bottle or pichet (jug). Two drawbacks: no outside terrace and, more importantly, arrogant service (rapid improvement needed urgently on this front!). The Bistro du'O, the name is a play on "Duo", used to be a joint venture between the Reichrath's of Le Grand Pré (1 Michelin star) in nearby Roaix and Yves Gras of Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas. The Reichrath's sold their stake in December 2009. Prices: €19-28. Rue du Château, 84110 Vaison la Romaine, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 41 72 90.
Le Moulin à Huile Chef Robert Bardot, in his 70s, still marvels his guests. Chef Cuisinier to the likes of de Gaulle, Pompidou, Mitterand and Chirac, he wandered through the world and his cuisine shows it. Grand French tradition with African and Asian influences. Each dish carries a good dose of exotism and spices masterfully applied. Great wine selection. 1 Michelin star since many years.Prices: €28-60. 1 Quai du Maréchal Foch, 84110 Vaison la Romaine, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 36 20 67
Pizzerias
Even here reservations might be required during the summer season!
La Loupiote, Crestet Sprawling, friendly and very popular pizzeria with reasonable prices. The place is teaming, reservations a must. Excellent pizza but also other hearty dishes, such as pasta and grilled meats. Good place to take the kids. From Vaison la Romaine go east on Rt.938 (follow sign to Malaucene), it's on the left side after the Crestet roundabout – approx. 3,5 km from Vaison. Prices: €12-20, Le Crestet, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 36 29 50
La Maison Bleue, Villedieu On Villedieu's plane shaded square a family friendly and reasonably priced pizza purveyor rolls out thin-crust pies with all the trimmings. Salads and other light fare are also on the menu. Lively and entertaining - great place to watch people. Reservations a must. The charming village, located 10km Northwest of Vaison la Romaine, is worth a visit in any case. Prices: €15-22. Place Liberation, 84110 Villedieu, Tel. +33 (0)4 90 28 97 02
