How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Provence
July 15, 2025
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Our Favorite Restaurants on the French Riviera
©Hôtel du Couvent
From seaside lunches under the sun to candlelit dinners in timeless gardens, here are some of the restaurants we love returning to along the Côte d’Azur.
The French Riviera has a charm all its own; sun-drenched days, Mediterranean scents, elegant facades, and that soft southern light that makes everything look like a painting. But for us, one of the best ways to discover this region is through its food. Whether it’s a long lunch by the sea, a romantic dinner hidden behind stone walls, or a simple pan bagnat enjoyed in a garden, we’ve always believed that a meal can reveal just as much about a place as a museum or a monument.
We’ve spent many seasons exploring this coastline, and over the years, we’ve found a few restaurants we keep going back to. These are not trendy hotspots or places trying to impress, they’re simply beautiful restaurants that have won us over with their food, their setting, and their sense of place. Here are six of our favourites.
©La Pinède
La Pinède
Set in a quiet corner near the sea, La Pinède feels like a secret you want to share but also keep just for yourself. With its bright, citrus-inspired decor and sunny terraces, it’s a place that captures the feeling of the Riviera in the most elegant way.
Chef Mickael Pinard’s cuisine is all about Mediterranean flavours; colourful, fresh, and generous. Everything here is designed for sharing, and it shows in the way the food is served and enjoyed. The focus is on beautiful ingredients, cooked simply but with great care. We’ve had wonderful lunches under the pines and unforgettable dinners with the moonlight reflecting off the water. If you’re looking for a refined yet relaxed place to dine near the sea, La Pinède is it.
©Saint Paul De Vence
La Colombe d’Or
This one is a legend. Tucked just at the entrance of the old village of Saint-Paul de Vence, La Colombe d’Or is not only a restaurant, it’s a piece of art history. Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Calder… the walls are filled with their work, often exchanged for a few nights’ stay or a warm meal many years ago.
But beyond the art, the food is truly Provençal: simple, generous and deeply flavourful. We love the grilled vegetables in olive oil, the aioli, the tomatoes, and the famous petits farcis. Sitting on the terrace, surrounded by ivy-covered stone and pieces of history, you feel like you’re stepping into another world, one where time moves a little slower and lunch can easily last all afternoon.
©La Bastide Saint-Antoine
La Bastide Saint-Antoine
Dining at Jacques Chibois’ bastide is not just a meal, it’s a moment of beauty. Set in the hills above Grasse, the house is surrounded by flowering trees and a peaceful garden that seems made for summer lunches and long, slow dinners.
Chef Chibois is a true master of French cuisine, and every plate tells a story of Provence. From the lightest vegetable dishes to the richest sauces, everything is precise but full of soul. The service is kind and attentive, and the setting, with views stretching across the hills, is simply unforgettable. It’s a place to celebrate something special, or just to treat yourself to something beautiful.
©MAMO Le Michelangelo
MAMO Le Michelangelo
If you find yourself in Antibes, this is where you go for a lively dinner filled with charm and flavour. MAMO has been welcoming guests, including quite a few celebrities, since 1992, and it’s easy to see why. The space, carved into an old wine cellar, is full of character, but it’s the food that really steals the show.
Think truffle focaccia, wood-fired lamb shoulder, rabbit with Provençal herbs, and those unforgettable raviolinis. The menu is a perfect mix of French and Italian influences, always using top ingredients from small producers. And there’s always room for a slice of the enormous lemon tart or a classic tiramisu. It’s warm, it’s generous, and it feels like dining at the home of a friend who just happens to be a brilliant cook.
©Le Couvent
La Guinguette at Le Couvent
For something a little more casual, we love this summer-only spot hidden in the gardens of the Hôtel du Couvent in Nice. It’s relaxed, it’s local, and it feels like a little escape above the city.
On the menu: fresh fish of the day, homemade pan bagnat, perfectly crispy fries, and simple desserts that make you smile. Everything is cooked with care and a good sense of humour. You might sit under the trees with a cold drink and a warm tart, and find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.
©Le Chat Noble
Le Chat Noble
Le Chat Noble is one of those places that feels like a hidden treasure. Set in a centuries-old abbey, the restaurant combines heritage and creativity in a beautiful, peaceful setting. The atmosphere is welcoming, with stone walls, soft lighting and just the right balance of elegance and ease.
The menu changes with the seasons and the chef’s inspiration. Each dish feels spontaneous but thoughtful, like a conversation between market ingredients and culinary technique. We’ve had everything from delicate spring vegetables with fish to more rustic, comforting plates that felt just right for a quiet evening. It’s one of those places you visit once, and then dream about returning to.
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