Dining Guide 2019 Edition Foreword

MAISON LAMBOT B&B DINING GUIDE 2019 EDITION FOREWORD

From terrible tourist traps to microwave meal reheating exercises in inadequacy, the road to the right restaurant is riven with risky rip-offs, bland meals, indifferent service and profiteering. Perhaps this is why more and more discerning diners are heading inland from the costly Côte D’Azur to the bountiful backcountry of the Provence Verte.

Here, hidden in the hills and nestled by the lakes and riverbanks is the fabulous forgotten real France, steeped in authenticity and tradition. Far from flippant burger flippers with less finesse than a fixed odds betting terminal (who easily find work in coastal cities), these predominantly family businesses build their reputation from passion and perfectionism.

Indeed, it is not surprising to ﬁnd customer service clichés and uncaring cooks in corporate chains and restaurants who’s principal selling point is their location and who do not rely on nor expect repeat customers. And such places are precisely the opposite of what you will ﬁnd in this guide (and in this area).

From small, family run establishments in tiny villages well oﬀ the beaten track, who thrive because of their reputation and carefully calibrated value proposition, to ambitious young chefs taking over outdated or isolated venues and breathing new life into them with their brilliance, Provence Verte is undeniably where the action is.

In the 2019 Maison Lambot Dining Guide I prioritised establishments run by passionate teams who pride themselves on their attention to detail, creative ﬂair and use of quality local produce. I like to see a conﬁdent and competent team working in synergy in a restaurant as it tends to convey a positive, welcoming atmosphere in a restaurant and this is also an indicator of seamless service.

Before we dive into the detail and decide where to choose for leisurely lunches and delicious dinners, may I wish all our guests a wonderful stay in Provence and I hope that you ﬁnd this Dining Guide useful in planning some exceptional meals during your time here with us.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword ...... 2

Table of contents ...... 3

About The Guide ...... 4

Local Gems, Montfort-sur-Argens ...... 5

La Petite Marmite ...... 5 Le Mas Des Templiers ...... 7 Les Chutes Du Grand Baou ...... 8 Bar national chez dédé et Isabelle ...... 9 Best of Provence verte ...... 10

Le Clos Des Vignes, Quartier Nestuby, Cotignac ...... 10 Auberge Du Parc, Correns ...... 11 La Crémaillère, Le Val ...... 12 La Terrasse, Besse-Sur-Issole ...... 13 Fine Dining In Provence ...... 15

Abbaye De La Celle, La Celle ...... 15 Chez Bruno, Lorgues ...... 16 Afterword...... 17

ABOUT THE GUIDE

Dear Guest

Thank you for choosing Maison Lambot B&B for your stay France’s Mediterranean food paradise, Provence.

Now in its fourth edition, this guide aims to inspire you to seek out the best that Provence Verte (and the wider Provence region) have to oﬀer food lovers.

The appreciation that locals have for quality ingredients and culinary skill is clear from their conversations (often food focused), their hobbies (ﬁshing, growing vegetables, picking mushrooms), and how they spend their weekends, when they often attend organized communal meals marking traditional festivals their local area.

I wish you an excellent holiday and hope that you enjoy discovering restaurants described in this guide as much as I have.

Bon appétit mes amis!

This guide is provided to Maison Lambot B&B Guests free of charge for information purposes. Opening, pricing and menus are all subject to change. Where an establishment provides accommodation as well as meals the ratings and comments in this document relate only to food service and quality as Maison Lambot does not assess accommodation provision. All Rights Reserved Maison Lambot B&B Provence 2019.

LA PETITE MARMITE

My local benchmark is a stand-out option a short walk from Maison Lambot B&B

4 Place Gabriel Péri, Montfort-sur-Argens 04 94 59 55 06 Weds. - Sun.

Chef Didier and Manager Séverine have built this small family-run village restaurant into a local institution. I use LPM as a local benchmark and the bar is set very high. The menu showcases classic French dishes making use of local produce and ingredients, delivered with ﬂair and attention to detail. Creative specials complement a menu which changes with the seasons.

Located in a quiet little village square less than five minutes’ walk from Maison Lambot B&B, La Petite Marmite is a winner every time offering superb value at weekday lunchtimes particularly. Families will appreciate the children’s menu and easy access from the B&B and gastronomes who stay with us frequently cannot resist popping back for a second (or third!) dinner, to try more of the delicious options on offer.

La Petite Marmite is a small restaurant and complements the cosy indoors with a shady terrace. Even then, it’s local renown and popularity make it advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. LPMs’ lunchtime deal is a great way to experience this Parisian outpost in Provence. Two courses for 16 represents great value for food of this quality.

The wine list is frequently updated with local award winners, carefully selected by Séverine, and you can also sample local beer from ‘Le Brasseur Varois’, a micro-brewery 8km down the road in Carcès. While I’m on the subject of drinks, you can try some lovely traditional apéritifs including Henri Bardouin Pastis while waiting for your meal. How lucky we are to have La Petite Marmite as neighbours in Montfort-Sur-Argens.

Templar themed restaurant with an excellent menu minutes from the B&B

1 Avenue des Droits de l’Homme, Montfort-sur-Argens - 04 94 86 86 20

This Templar-themed restaurant immerses diners in the history and legends of the Templars, from the shields decorating the walls to the ancient poems recited by Sir Raymond, to the medieval weapons on show in the lobby. The Templar Knight, Sir Raymond of Montfort, will welcome and seat your party in his suit of armor.

Provence is synonymous with the Templar Knights and Montfort-sur-Argens is overlooked by a castle which was once a Templar stronghold. Therefore the atmosphere and decoration of the Mas Des Templiers celebrates and commemorates this important aspect of local history.

The food is hearty and served up in generous portions by Chef Christelle, and while waiting for your meal to arrive you can peruse the carefully curated wine list and say hello to Xanax, the guard rabbit. Whether you read more Dan Brown or Good Food Guide this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Diners can be knighted upon prior request, this is particularly recommended for birthdays and other special events. Poetry recitals are optional. Service is relaxed, and the atmosphere is completed by a roaring ﬁre on cool evenings and an outdoor terrace in the summer.

Outdoor Family Dining By A Triple Waterfall

Route de Carcès, 83143 Le Val - 06 45 15 34 83

Just a couple of kilometers outside of Montfort-sur-Argens is the triple waterfall ‘Les Chutes Du Grand Baou’. Oﬀering easy access to the riverbank at the foot of the waterfall, o v e r l o o k e d b y a s h a d y t e r r a c e a n d complemented by a petting zoo and pony rides, this family oriented restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike throughout the summer months.

Pizzas, grill dishes and salads accompanied by a good selection of local beers and a wide choice of ice-cream are the order of the day at Grand Baou. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is convivial - you really feel like you are on holiday here. There is ample parking space right by the restaurant.

For those wishing to bring their own picnic to eat down by the river this is allowed (a small charge applies as it is private land).

Grand Baou is also a lovely place to stop for the view if you are out wine tasting at neighboring Chateau Fontainebleau du Var. A ﬁnal note is that this is also a great spot for photographers and couples looking for scenic or romantic photo opportunities. BAR NATIONAL CHEZ DÉDÉ ET ISABELLE

Dish of the day at Bar Le National

1 Grande Rue, 83570 Montfort-sur-Argens - 04 94 59 98 56

A simple ‘plat du jour’ (dish of the day) is served at lunchtime at Bar Le National in Montfort-Sur-Argens, which you can enjoy on the sunny terrace on the high street by the fountain. Pizzas are also available if ordered in advance on Friday evenings. Hint: there is a great selection of ice creams and beers in this bar. Get in early for lunch, as portions and service times are limited. BEST OF PROVENCE VERTE

LE CLOS DES VIGNES, QUARTIER NESTUBY, COTIGNAC

Rebirth of a ﬁne vineyard restaurant

4540 Route de Montfort, 83570 Cotignac - 04 94 04 72 19

Halfway between quiet Montfort-Sur-Argens and bustling Cotignac, nestled among the vineyards that produce the celebrated Chateau Nestuby range of wines, a local stalwart has been reimagined with ﬂair and passion.

Le Clos Des Vignes (the name given to ﬁelds of vines which couldn’t be crossed on horseback according to ancient law) reopened in 2019 under new management and the results are superb. The modern, elegant dining room has a distinctly local theme. A huge window allows diners to see into the kitchen where chef Nicholas prepares to pamper their taste buds, while Front of House Manager Alexandra welcomes and looks after you.

And from stunning Saltimbocca to delicious duck salad through to generous portions of desert no aspect of a meal at Le Clos Des Vignes will disappoint. The ﬁne traditional French cuisine accompanied by local wines from Chateau Nestuby across the road will doubtless gain many fans over the coming months, not to mention the very professional service and unbeatable location. This is a very welcome addition to the local gastronomical landscape that I urge you not to miss.

AUBERGE DU PARC, CORRENS

Idyllic setting in France’s ﬁrst 100% organic village

34 Place General de Gaulle, Rue Des Écoliers, 83570 Correns - 04 94 59 53 52

This local favourite in the pretty village of Correns has a tastefully decorated dining room and a gorgeous enclosed garden. Situated on the picturesque high street of France’s ﬁrst fully organic village, just a few minutes down the road from Maison Lambot bed- and-breakfast, you will ﬁnd a local legend with a fabulous outdoor space.

I recommend combining a meal here with a visit to the pristine Vallon Sourn nature reserve, or to the sculpture park at the contemporary art center at Chateauvert.

The menu usually includes meat and ﬁsh options as well as daily specials. It is a spot for a relaxing lunch while exploring this exceptional section of the Provence Verte. Plenty of space and large tables make it a suitable to bring a larger family group.

The wine list tends to focus on wines from Correns (plenty to choose from) including the village cooperative ( Vignerons de Correns) and the interesting Domaine Des Aspras, all organic of course.

LA CRÉMAILLÈRE, LE VAL

Understated excellence in the medieval streets

23 Rue Nationale, 83143 Le Val - 04 94 86 40 00

Locals love this tiny unpretentious restaurant in the medieval village of Le Val, between the town of Brignoles and Montfort-sur-Argens village, and for good reason.

Fresh local produce is systematically used, a wide range of specials keeps regulars interested, and service is eﬃcient and very friendly. LA TERRASSE, BESSE-SUR-ISSOLE

A pleasant surprise in a historic village

2 Rue de la République, 83890 Besse-Sur-Issole

The village of Besse Sur Issole is steeped in history. Plaques and statues commemorate the town’s liberation by American forces during World War II. In the middle of the main square is a statue above the fountain that will immediately remind visitors of the statue of liberty at the entrance to New York Harbor.

Just behind it, behind an unremarkable exterior, you will ﬁnd La Terrasse, a small but perfectly formed restaurant. La Terrasse occupies an intimate space and oﬀers a well- crafted menu and attentive service.

The exposed stonework of the arched entrance gives way to a neat arrangement of smartly laid tables where you will ﬁnd a warm welcome, traditional style French cuisine using locally sourced fresh ingredients, and a good value wine list full of interesting options.

Of course the best is yet to come, because delicious desserts await you at the end of the meal at La Terrasse de Besse-Sur-Issole (see next page).

FINE DINING IN PROVENCE

ABBAYE DE LA CELLE, LA CELLE

World-conquering Chef Alain Ducasse’s Provence destination

10, Place du Général de Gaulle, 83170 La Celle - 04 98 05 14 14

Set in the grounds of an ancient convent in the unspoiled village of La Celle, This Michelin starred restaurant is one of two Alain Ducasse establishments in the area, the other being the highly reﬁned Auberge de Moustiers.

The food is not overcomplicated, but it is consistently of an impeccable standard, beautifully presented and uses fresh local ingredients some of which are grown on the property, in their own vegetable patch which you will notice on the stroll from the car park to the terrace.

Speaking of the terrace, this is the seating area to specify when making your booking. It is shady, enclosed by the convent on one side, and overlooks the beautiful lawn and garden.

For a romantic meal or special occasion look no further than this world class oﬀering just 15 minutes drive from Maison Lambot bed-and-breakfast. CHEZ BRUNO, LORGUES

Trufﬂe-based menu and artistic decor in this famous family-run restaurant

2350 Route Des Arcs, Le Plan Campagne Mariette, 83510 Lorgues - 04 94 85 93 93

This lavishly decorated restaurant set on its own country estate on the edge of the town of Lorgues, under half an hour from Maison Lambot B&B, offers one menu, entirely truffle- based from starter to desert. The menu price varies according to the variety of the truffles used to make the dishes.

Service is outstanding of course and contributes to the immersion in the Bruno story. Bruno’s sons work alongside him and frequently greet guests at their table to describe new dishes or educate diners about truﬄes.

The atmosphere on busy summer days is highly entertaining. Bruno fans, pressed for time and chomping at the bit for their Tuber Melansporum ﬁx, arrive by helicopter, and some patrons get up to highly entertaining behind-the-wheel antics in a car park full of glittering automobiles (to the evident dismay of the valet). People-watching at Bruno’s is deﬁnitely part of the fun.

This guide is provided to get you started choosing the right places during your holiday in Provence. By necessity, I have focused on establishments close to Maison Lambot bed-and- breakfast, in order to make the recommendations as useful as possible for our guests.

As an ongoing project released yearly, this guide, now in its fourth edition, has been enriched by feedback and comments made by B&B guests and local partners. Have you noticed somewhere that I have overlooked? I would love to hear from you at [email protected].

For more information about Maison Lambot B&B in Montfort-sur-Argens, Provence you can visit our website www.maisonlambot.com, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @maisonlambot.