Restaurants: Vaison la Romaine, Carpentras & Environs
The countryside around Vaison la Romaine, Orange and Carpentras is the Southern Côtes du Rhône wine region. Good food and wine belong together and the numerous delightful restaurants in the small villages and towns are no coincidence. They range from from village bistros to 1-star Michelin haut cuisine places. Wile away the time with a glass or two of wine from Châteaneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Rasteau, Cairanne, Vacqueiras, Séguret, Sablet -the list of well known Côtes du Rhône wine villages goes on and on - and enjoy life.
This area is liked by a lot of visitors, so don't forget to make a reservation. A few restaurants offer only a no choice menu for a set number of guests. A very efficient way if you use fresh locally grown produce and want to keep prices low. But this means that once the kitchen's capacity is exhausted, walk-ins without reservations will have to be turned away.
The villages are listed in alphabetical order. A click on the restaurant name will get you to the website, a click on the address to the Michelin map.
Prices show 2-course lunch menu first (Mo-Fri) and lowest priced dinner menu (3 courses) last, wines excluded.
Beaucet
Auberge du Beaucet The tiny restaurant is a real stand-out in this picturesque village. Woodbeam decor and tables decked in crispy white tablecloth. Handpicked small menu - a treat. Park the car and walk up to the village which is a no-car zone. Worth the trip uphill. Prices: €24-39. Rue Coste Chaude, Le Beaucet, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 66 10 82
Cairanne
Le Tourne au Verre A wine bar and restaurant in this well known Côtes du Rhône wine village. This is where locals and visitors sit side by side and enjoy good food and an authentic atmosphere. The no-choice menu (appetizer, main course, dessert) is written on a black board and changes 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 and efficient. Smartly decorated interior and outside dining under plane trees right in the village. Prices: €13.50-23. Route de Sainte Cécile, 84290 Cairanne, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 30 72 18
Carpentras
Chez Serge Located at the edge of the historic center of Carpentras, an oldtimer in Carpentras. A new cook was hired recently to regain customer satisfaction. The good news: Serge Gaoukassian, the owner, was voted Sommelier of the Year in 2008 in France. The bad news: relaxed (or is outright impersonal) service and long delays are a recipe for disaster in a region known for its excellent restaurants. If things don't improve in 2010 Chez Serge will be off our list! Prices: €15-32. 90 Rue Cottier, Carpentras, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 63 21 24Châteauneuf du Pape
La Mère Germaine An oldtimer and favorite of local winemakers and connoiseurs. The hotel/restaurant, established in 1922, offers well crafted Provençal dishes. Nothing spectacular but good and tasty dishes typical of the region. The wine list is first class - try the white Châteauneuf for a change, excellent! Prices: €20-23. 3, Rue du Commandant Lemaitre, 84230 Châteauneuf du Pape. Tel: +33 (0)4 90 83 54 37
Entrechaux
L'Ancienne Poste 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: €16-30. Le Village, 84340 Entrechaux, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 46 09 84
St.Hubert Romantic country setting in the same village as L'Ancienne Poste. Owned and operated since 1929 by the same family. Wisteria covered terrace, great menu and friendly service. Well known for its fish dishes during summer and game during the winter season. An improvement of the wine list is long overdue. Look for the sign St.Hubert 50m before the main square, the restaurant is located left on a side road. Prices: €15-27. Le Village, 84340 Entrechaux, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 46 00 05
Faucon
Le Laurier Authentic village restaurant serving Provençal classics. Food is well prepared and kept deliberately simple. Attentive service, great terrace overlooking the village square. Prices: €15-28. Place de la Mairie, 84110 Faucon Tel: +33 (0)4 90 46 55 54
Gigondas
Les Florets There are many beautiful places in the Côtes du Rhône region to have a meal and Les Florets is certainly one of them. Flower filled terrace with the rugged Dentelles of Montmirail as a backdrop. Welcome is warm, the service is attentive and the food delicious. Good wine list which includes wines from their own vineyard, Domain de la Garrigue. 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: €24-50. Rte. des Dentelles, 84190 Gigondas, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 65 85 01
L'oustalet A wonderful setting in a nicely restored historic house right in the village center. Enjoy lunch or dinner outside and watch the village life. The restaurant is owned by the Gabriel Meffre wine growers (Domaine de Longue Toque, Gigondas). Talented chef Cyril Glémot is in charge of the kitchen - without any argument one of the best in the region. Service can be a bit slow at peak times. Prices: €17 (1 course weekday lunch) - 29 (lowest priced 3-course dinner menu). Place de la Mairie, 84190 Gigondas, Tel: +33 (0)4 90 65 85 30
Du Verre à l'Assiette In the village center opposite l'Oustalet, this restaurant named "From Glass to Plate" is perfect for a simple fare. Charcuteries, goat cheese salads and tartines (open faced grilled sandwiches). Good wine selection by the glass. A consolation if you cannot get a place across the street. Prices: €22-28. Place de la Mairie, 84190 Gigondas Tel: +33 (0)4 90 12 36 64
