La Mère Germaine

En route for the French Riviera, the movie stars of Paris, from Mistinguett to Jean Gabin and Fernandel, used to stop off in this village, so beloved of wine buffs. The restaurant is still named after its founder, Germaine Vion (1922). Huge murals depicting Belle Époque Paris “à la Toulouse-Lautrec” set the scene indoors and the patio commands a panoramic view of the vineyards. Belgian chef Christophe Hardiquest (Menssa in Brussels) crafts Provence’s ingredients and vegetables into modern, Mediterranean dishes oozing in forthright flavours (particularly the vegetarian menu). The splendid wine list features a knock-out selection of Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintages.