With the best climate for growing fresh produce, plentiful seafood and local beef from Aubrac – the South of France is the perfect location for the finest cooking. Our recommendations cover the top chefs in the region from Cote d'Azur to Marseille and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
At Tuba, chefs Sylvain Roucayrol and Paul-Henri Bayart cook seasonally fresh dishes, from fisherman to the plate, promoting the best of the South. The eco-conscious beach club is under the leadership of Grégory Gassa and Fabrice Denizot, the founders of this oasis found planted on a rock that juts out into the water. Eat on the cliffside and follow with a climb down a stainless steel ladder in to Mediterranean for a swim.
The two chefs breathe new interpretation of the Mediterranean into the restaurant with a unique mix of starters and dishes. Marseille grills, fish crudos, Provençal marinades and salads, feature on the plate. All this, followed by creative desserts that will leave you wanting more every time. We love the mascarpone cream in generous jar to share, accompanied by its Provencal biscuits and homemade ice cream.
Tuba has been shaped by conscious craftsmen, using recycled or upcycled materials. Only working with the local agriculture to promote organic and responsible farming, giving the best seasonal cuisine.
Tuba, the French word for snorkel, is a remote gem transformed from an old scuba club. It’s name resembles the link between sea and land, with breath-taking views and tables exposed to the sea spray.
Décor is a delightful mix of upcycled furniture and raw materials, cleverly blending stone and wood, natural colours and fluorescent ropes. Outside, sun loungers with mellow, yellow stripes and wooden washed out tables meet at the water’s edge. The end result is a perfect fusion of a traditional dive club and a peaceful haven where local's hang out.
TUBA CLUB, 2 Bd Alexandre Delabre, 13008 Marseille, France.
0033 (0) 966 951 316
A 95 year old French restaurant which captivates you the moment you walk in, is still proving to be the coolest place to hang out on the French Riviera. La Colombe d’Or restaurant was opened by Paul Roux and his wife Titine in 1920 as a small, local café bar showcasing their passion for art. He cultivated friendships with many local artists, many of whom contributed art works to be displayed in the restaurant, including a piece by Picasso.
Curved walls and ceilings are softly shaped out of the natural stone, with light pouring in through large windows creating an elegant and magical feel. The rustic, wooden stools bring a sense of understated luxury to such a popular, famous location. Since the 1950's La Colombe d’Or restaurant has welcomed a series of well-known names, including actors Roger Moore, The Beckhams, Elton John, Madonna to name a few.
The food at the Colombe d'Or is traditional French cuisine, with a Mediterranean feel ranging from lobster salad to perfectly roasted tender lamb. Not to mention their wine pairings were perfect! The main restaurant seats approximately seventy people, with space for a further thirty people in a private dining room. During the summer the beautiful garden terrace can accommodate one hundred diners. With a courtyard feel, canopied by trees and artwork spilling to the outside space too, the atmosphere is grand.
The Hotel & Restaurant is located at the threshold of the village of Saint-Paul de Vence.
Place du Général de Gaulle,
06800 Vence, France.
0033 4 93 32 80 02
Located within the Four Seasons Cap-Ferrat, La Veranda offers a "Bistrot chic" style dining experience that is both elegant and relaxed. Set on a stunning terrace with views over the lavish garden, it’s the perfect way to ‘al fresco’ in the French Riviera.
Enjoy cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean coast, with both Provençal and Italian influences. Dishes as fresh and light, from the Blue Lobster served with cabbage and orange to the highly recommended Saffron Risotto. A must try is the masterpiece desert – La Framboisier. The most perfect dome made of raspberries, hazelnut dacquoise biscuit and light vanilla mousse.
It is the perfect setting to evening a summer evening complete with background music, unparalleled views over the Mediterranean amongst the tops of palm trees.
71 boulevard Général de Gaulle
06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
0033 (0) 4 9673 5050