Restaurants: Provence Alpine Regions
In this section we review restaurants in the Alpes Haute Provence and the Hautes Alpes départéments. The quiet corner of the Provence with some terrific sights (Verdon Gorges, Lure Mountains, Ecrins National Park, Queyras Regional Park) and lots of bucolic countryside, where life still goes about in its own pace.
Our selection of "gourmand" choices is a bit more limited here than in other areas of the Provence. But we are getting there, step by step, restaurant by restaurant.
Forcalquier and Vicinity
Auberge de l'Abbaye, Cruis in the picturesque village of Cruis at the foot of the Lure Mountains. The hotel/restaurant, an old post relay station next to the village church, is a gem. Carine and Fabrice Archambault serve authentic Provençal cuisine using local produce in season. The price/quality is superb, the food genuine, the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. Prices: €25-35. Place Mairie, Cruis, Tel: +33 (0)4 9 77 01 93
Verdon Gorges (Moustiers Sainte Marie and vicinity)
La Bastide de Moustiers Alain Ducasse opened this lovely country inn and restaurant here in 1995. To say that Wilfrid Hocquet, a Ducasse disciple, offers a quality table here is an understatment. Provençal cuisine of the highest quality, creative, inventive and carefully prepared. Excellent wine cellar. A magic experience in this otherwise very touristy village. Prices: €60-90. Chemin de Quinson, 04360 Moustiers Sainte Marie. Tel: +33 (0)4 92 70 47 47
La Ferme Ste Cécile Patrick Crespin runs a fine kitchen in this country house on the road to Lac Saint Croix. The emphasize is on the use regional products. He excels in fish dishes. A peaceful country setting in this lovely part of the Alpes de Haute Provence. Prices: €35. Rte des Gorges du Verdon, 04360 Moustiers Ste Marie, Tel: +33 (0)4 92 74 64 18
La Treille Muscate Provençal cuisine, simple and honest in bistro style. Nothing wrong here, the outdoor seating is lovely, the service relaxed and friendly. We liked it a lot. Prices: €26-35. Place de l'Eglise, 04360 Moustiers Ste Marie . Tel: +33 (0)4 92 74 64 31
Digne les Bains - Barcelonnette
Le Grand Paris, Digne les Bains A "Grand Hotel" from an area long gone by. The 3rd generation of the Ricaud family keeps this jewel up to date. The restaurant serves traditional Provençal cuisine. Well thought out menu using local produce in season. An excellent place, where tradition does not come at the expense of quality and service. Outdoor dining on the terrace. Prices: €26-32. 19, Blvd.Thiers, 04000 Digne les Bains. Tel: +33 (0)4 92 32 32 82
Hautes Alpes (Gap-Embrun-Gillestre-Briançon)
La Maison du Guil, Eygliers, the restaurant of the lovely B&B in a small alpine hamlet close to Guillestre. The nearby Ecrins National Park and Queyras Regional Park are well known in France for the many outdoor activities. Xavier, an accomplished chef, has now added a gourmand highlight to this wonderful area. Elegant cuisine, excellent price/quality. We need more of this in the Hautes Alpes! Prices: €25. La Font, Eygliers. Tel: +33 (0)4 92 50 16 20
