Restaurants Vaison & Pays du Ventoux
Let's explore a number of restaurants in the Pays du Ventoux region. This is the Côte du Rhône Village wine region; good food and wine belong together and the numerous delightful restaurants in the small villages are no coincidence. You can enjoy true Provençal cuisine in a peaceful country setting with a glass or two of wine from Gigondas, Rasteau, Cairanne, Vacqueiras, Seguret, Sablet..... the list goes on and on.
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.
L'Ancienne Poste, Entrechaux: Owned and operated by Jean Jacques Houdy and his wife, this charming restaurant is located in the tiny historic village of Entrechaux, 6km East of Vaison la Romaine. There is a wonderful shaded terrace with views towards Mt.Ventoux and nicely decorated interior. Fresh local produce is used for an imaginative Provençal cuisine. Leave some space for the excellent desserts! From Vaison la Romaine take Rt. D 938 to Maulaucene, 3.5 km after Vaison turn left to Entrechaux, the restaurant is right in the village center. Prices: Euro 20 - 55. Entrechaux, Tel: 04 90 46 09 84
St.Hubert, Entrechaux: Romantic country setting in the same village as L'Ancienne Poste. Owned and operated since 1929 by the same family. The younger generation is gradually taking over. Wisteria covered terrace, great menu and friendly service; Provence dining at its best. Good selection of fish dishes. Its game dishes available during the winter season are appreciated by local residents. The owner's wife speaks English. Look for the sign St.Hubert 50m before the main square, the restaurant is located left on a side road. Prices range: Euro 20 - 50. Entrechaux, Tel: 04 90 46 00 05
Les Florets, Gigondas: Great location on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail above Gigondas, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed under a shaded terrace. Excellent Provençal cuisine accentuated by the use of fresh produce from the area. Owned and operated by the same family for three generations; very attentive and friendly service. After lunch walk up the hill, approx. 2km, to the Belvedere above Gigondas; you have one of the best views over the Rhône valley. Driving up from D7 to Gigondas turn left before the village entrance and follow the signs. Prices range: Euro 24 -50. Rte. des Dentelles, Gigondas, Tel: 04 90 65 85 01
L'oustalet, Gigondas: Owned by the Gabriel Meffre wine growers (Domaine de Longue Toque, Gigondas) and since 2004 with a new chef. Wonderful setting in a nicely restored historic house right in the village center. Enjoy lunch or dinner outside and watch the village life. Very refined cuisine and excellent selection of local wines. Prices: Euro 20 - 55. Place de la Mairie, 84190 Gigondas, Tel: 04 90 65 85 30
Bellerive, Rasteau: the Petrier family from Savoy has owned and run this hotel/restaurant, built in contemporary Provençal style, for more than 25 years. Dining room and shaded terrace with fabulous views over the vineyards and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The food is sophisticated, but only to the extent that it is not out of place in a country restaurant. The wine cellar offers a good choice of local wines and also ventures into the rest of France. Attentive service, a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. This is the place where local vintners go to meet their wine buyers for lunch. Prices: Euro 25 - 48. Hotel Restaurant Bellerive, 84110 Rasteau, Tel: 04 90 46 10 20. At the Rasteau roundabout take Rt.D69 to Carpentras, turn left after 200m and follow the signs.
Le Grand Pré, Roaix: A romantic atmosphere in this well known gem, located on the road from Vaison la Romaine to Roaix. Great garden for outdoor dining. Raoul Reichrath and his Mexican wife Flora decided to leave the US and establish themselves here. Patricia Wells, a long time resident of the area, has helped to create a delightful menu featuring light dishes with that extra touch; at times the Latino influence is noticeable. Great, innovative cuisine! Prices: Euro 29 - 70. Rte. de Vaison, Roiax, Tel: 04 90 46 18 12.
Les Abeilles, Sablet: Johannes and Marlies Sailer, the former owners of L'oustalet in Gigondas, took over this restaurant in Sablet, a historic village between Gigondas and Seguret. The Sailers, originally from Switzerland, have been in France for over 30 years. They continue the excellent cuisine offered at L'oustalet. Creative cooking reaching new horizons beyond the traditional Provençal cuisine; a wonderful experience! Good wine list. Their new restaurant is more spacious and has a wonderful plane shaded terrace for outdoor dining. Here is a great idea we wish other restaurants in the area would follow: They offer light snacks throughout the day. Located close to the roundabout at the Northern exit of the village, can't miss it. Prices: Euro 35 - 65. 4, rue de Vaison, 84110 Sablet, Tel: 04 90 12 38 96.
La Table du Comtat, Seguret: Elegant dining and great food prepared by Frank Gomez, Maître Cuisinier de France. Located in the old village of Seguret (between Vaison la Romaine and Carpentras), it is advisable to park at the village entrance and walk through the old village. Restaurant is on the upper level of the old village and has great views over the Rhône valley. Prices: Euro 32 - 70. Seguret, Le Village, Tel: 04 90 46 91 49
Domaine de Cabasse, Seguret: Spacious indoor and outdoor dining at the foothills of Seguret in a 14th century wine estate with a small hotel owned and run by the Swiss Haeni family. Great country setting on the scenic road from Seguret to Sablet (don't be deterred by the closed iron gate – it opens after a while automatically). They offer outstanding food; each day a different menu of a few well chosen dishes is written in chalk on a big slate. It is really worthwhile to dine here, local produce is used for a very refined country cuisine and the setting is just wonderful. Extensive wine list. Prices: 25 - 45. Seguret, Tel: 04 90 46 91 12
Le Pré du Moulin, Serignan du Comtat: This historic towns has one of the most delightful small hotels in the Upper Vaucluse. The 18th century building, first a mill then the local primary school, houses a highly regarded restaurant. Dine in the old school courtyard under plane trees. It offers a good selection of refined yet typical dishes of the Provence and Corsica. 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: Euro 30 - 75. Rte. Ste.Cécile les Vignes, Tel: 04 90 70 14 55
Domaine de la Ponche, Vacqueyras: romantic indoor and outdoor dining in a 17th century manor house, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and cypresses. This small country hotel and restaurant, Swiss owned and managed, has its faithful following. They serve dinner only, just one prix-fix menu which changes every day.Wonderfully prepared dishes with clean, clear flavors using local produce. Menu: Euro 38. Domaine de la Ponche, 84190 Vacqueyras, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 65 85 21. On Rt.D8 Vacqueyras direction to Cairanne, turn left approx.3km after Vacqueyras and follow signs.
Auberge la Bartavelle, Vaison la Romaine: After it had changed ownership in 2005 I took it off my list. I had dinner there recently and was impressed. Everything has improved, the quality of the dishes and the service. Nice ambiance with the decoration honoring Marcel Pugnol. The Euro 28 menu is good value, the restaurant was full, the atmosphere lively. Prices: Euro 22 - 55, 12 place Sus Auze, 84110 Vaison la Romaine, Tel: 04 90 36 02 16
Le Bateleur, Vaison la Romaine: Located on the other side of the Roman bridge this small, pleasant restaurant is our favourite in Vaison la Romaine. Chef Benoit Joulain creates light and innovative dishes. The wine list is excellent, the atmosphere relaxed, what else does one need? Prices: Euro 20 - 40. 1 Place Théodore Aubanel, Vaison la Romaine, Tel: 04 90 36 28 04
Bistro du'O, Vaison la Romaine: This is a newcomer to Vaison, located in the historic Haute Ville. Bistro food extremely well prepared! No wonder, the Bistro du’O, the name is a play on "Duo", is a joint venture between Raoul Reichrath of Le Grand Pré in nearby Roaix and Yves Gras of Domaine Santa Duc in Gigondas. Upscale bistro food (just one menu which changes every day), great wine selection, friendly service and nice ambiance. Rue du Château, Vaison la Romaine, Tel: 04 90 41 72 90.
Le Moulin à Huile, Vaison la Romaine: Near the Roman bridge below the historic Haute Ville of Vaison la Romaine is probably the best and certainly the most expensive restaurant in town. A very refined and creative cuisine presented by Chef Bardot and as can be expected a wonderful wine selection. If you don't mind the price, this is definitely one for you. Prices: Euro 55 - 100. 1 Quai du Maréchal Foch, Vaison la Romaine, Tel: 04 90 36 20 67
...... and here are some good ones at moderate prices (even here reservations might be required during the season):
Le Tourne au Verre: a wine bar and restaurant in the Côtes du Rhône wine village of Cairanne. New owners since early 2007 have transformed a once sleepy eatery serving steak and frites into a true culinary gem. The menu is just one appetizer, main course and dessert, written on a black board and changing every day. Food ranges from good to extraordinary. A well chosen selection of wines by the glass at decent prices, an even wider selection by the bottle. Friendly service, relaxed, authentic setup under plane trees right in the village. A great concept, we need more of this in the Provence! Prices: Euro 16 - 22. Rte. de Ste.Cécile, Cairanne, Tel: 04 90 30 72 18
La Loupiote, Crestet: Sprawling, friendly and very popular pizzeria with reasonable prices. Customers range from local handyman and their families to Parisian politicians and London bankers. The place is always full, reservations a must. Excellent pizza but also other hearty dishes, such as grilled meat. Good place to take the kids. From Vaison la Romaine take Rt.938 to Malaucene, it is on the left side of this road after the Crestet roundabout – approx. 3,5 km after Vaison. Prices: Euro 12 - 20, Le Crestet, Tel: 04 90 36 29 50
La Farigoule, Ste.Cécile les Vignes: Down to earth Provençal cuisine; the restaurant and small hotel is located in Ste.Cécile les Vignes on the right side of the main road from Carpentras to Bollène. Prices: Euro 16 - 24. Ste.Cécile les Vignes, Tel.: 04 90 30 89 89
La Maison Bleue, Villedieu: Excellent Pizza Provençal (thin crust). Outside seating on the romantic, plane shaded square of Villedieu (seating is shared with a bar adjacent to it, so pick the correct tables), reservation mandatory for summer evenings. The charming village, located 10km Northwest of Vaison la Romaine, is worth a visit in any case. Prices: 15 - 22. Villedieu, Tel. 04 90 28 97 02
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