Most Beautiful Places to Dine Outdoors in Provence, France
Provence – with its mild climate, charming village squares, and sun-kissed bucolic landscapes – is a place where eating outdoors is simply a way of life. Here, the meals aren’t just about the food (though the flavours of the region are a highlight in their own right); they’re about the setting, and the pleasure of savouring the atmosphere as much as the cuisine.
From long lunches in leafy village squares, to seaside dinners watching the sunset, Provence is brimming with unforgettable places to dine outdoors. Below, I’ll introduce you to some of my favourite spots around the region, including vineyard tables, hidden courtyards and the best picnic spots.
Vineyard Lunches Among the Vines
If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal in Provence, you must experience at least one among the vineyards. From exquisite restaurants, to casual terraces, and even picnics among the grapes – there’s something for everyone.
Chateau La Coste
Situated a short drive north of Aix-en-Provence, Chateau La Coste is one not to miss. A sensory experience, it’s more than just a vineyard. This estate incorporates art galleries, a sculpture trail, several cafes and restaurants, and of course, a wine shop.
My favourite here is La Terrasse – a colourful space that feels like you’re dining in the centre of a village. The food is fresh and flavoursome, and the atmosphere is casual. For those looking for a more upmarket experience, book a table at Helene Darroze, within Villa La Coste.
Domaine de Fontenille
Domaine de Fontenille is located in the lower Luberon, just outside the village of Lauris. This delightful estate, which doubles as a beautiful hotel, has a wonderful terrace-style restaurant overlooking the vines. Here, you can dine on seasonal creations made from the estate’s vast organic vegetable farm and local producers.
Fancy a picnic instead? They also offer a winemaker’s picnic, so you can dine and sip among the vines.
Château d’Estoublon
Set among rolling vineyards and ancient olive groves in the heart of les Alpilles, Château d’Estoublon is a dreamy destination for an al fresco lunch or dinner. La Table d’Estoublon draws inspiration from the produce and olive oil grown in the estate gardens to deliver fresh Provençal cuisine.
Their “Signature Brunch” on a Sunday is the ideal way to celebrate a successful morning of shopping at the Eygalières brocante.
Read More: Best Wineries to Visit in Provence
Charming Village Terraces
One of the true pleasures of visiting Provence is to linger over a meal on a sunny village terrace. You’ll find countless cafes and restaurants where you can dine surrounded by stone walls, under leafy canopies, and listening to the sounds of village life.
Gordes
A highlight for many visitors to Provence, Gordes is the chocolate-box village of the Luberon. Perched on a hillside and bathed in golden light, this village is naturally blessed with several stone-walled terraces with stunning views. Try La Trinquette for casual dining, or the more upmarket La Table de la Bastide for an unforgettable meal.
Menerbes
Another enchanting Luberon village, Menerbes, was coined the “ship of the ocean vines” by Nostradamus, who observed it to be sailing on a landscape of vineyards. Hence, it’s a wonderful place to dine with a view. Several small restaurants offer terrace seating where you can enjoy casual dining while gazing at the agrarian valley below.
Lacoste
With its cobbled streets, art galleries, and the preserved ruins of a grand chateau perched above the village, Lacoste has a unique charm that makes it a lovely stop for an outdoor meal. The village’s hillside position means terraces are awarded with sweeping views, especially at sunset. Café de France is ideal for a golden hour apéro. Or stop in at the Pizzeria le Sade for a casual dinner.
Seaside Dining with Mediterranean Views
With its limestone hills, harbours filled with traditional fishing boats, and sparkling Mediterranean sea, the coast of Provence offers some of the region’s most stunning dining settings. From chic beach cafes, to converted diving clubs, to sophisticated terraces overlooked by the Chateau de Cassis, there’s a seaside spot for you.
Cassis
Cassis is one of the most scenic seaside towns in Provence, and the entire waterfront is lined with restaurant terraces to take in the view. Pull up a pew and relax as you sip on a glass of rosé and nibble on fresh Mediterranean flavours.
Nice
Nice is the champion of seaside dining on the Côte d’Azur. Along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, beachfront restaurants are in abundance, offering everything from laid-back bites to elegant coastal cuisine. Whether you’re after a relaxed meal where the kids can play in the sand, or a more refined experience, there’s something here for every mood. For a truly memorable experience, book a table at the iconic Le Plongeoir perched on a rock near the old port.
Read More: Things to do in Nice, France
Les Goudes
Just beyond the busyness of Marseille, the tiny fishing village of Les Goudes offers a laid-back and authentic escape. There are several small eateries dotted around the petit port, but for the coolest address in town, head to Tuba Club.
Pampelonne Beach Clubs, St Tropez
Feel like dining with your feet in the sand? Head to Pampelonne Beach outside of Saint-Tropez. A celebrity favourite since the 50s, this seductive stretch of sand is home to several famous beach clubs such as Le Club 55, Tamaris Plage, and Le 1051.
Dreamy Picnic Spots
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable, especially when paired with dreamy Provençal landscapes. Whether you’re dining under a 2000-year-old bridge, or on the shores of a lake with the most beautiful aquamarine waters, you’re sure to fall in love with picnicking in Provence.
Pont du Gard
Few picnic spots in Provence are as awe-inspiring as the Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct spans the Gardon River, in a protected natural area that’s ripe for relaxing on a summer’s day. Pack your swimwear and your hiking shoes, as well as your picnic lunch, and make a day of it.
Lac de Sainte-Croix
With its inviting turquoise waters and hidden coves, the lac de Sainte-Croix is ideal for a lakeside picnic. Lay down your rug in view of the Pont de Galetas and the Verdon Gorge beyond, or hire a pedalo and navigate away from the crowds to find a quiet corner of your own.
Pont Julien
Pont Julien is a beautifully preserved 2000-year-old bridge near Bonnieux that makes a stunning backdrop for a Provençal picnic. Spanning the Calavon River, it’s also a good swimming spot when there’s been enough rain to fill the rock pools downstream of the pont. There’s parking nearby, but if you’re into cycling, this bridge is conveniently located right on the Veloroute du Calavon cycle path that cuts through the Luberon.
Market Days
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience local Provence life is to visit the markets. Located in almost every village, these colourful outdoor events are where you’ll find the freshest produce. Grab your market bag and fill it with plump tomatoes, delicious tapenade, aged cheese, and a loaf of crusty bread, and you have all you’ll need for a picnic lunch.
L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The Sunday market in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the most popular in the region. It’s mixed with the weekly antiques market, so you can shop up a storm in the morning before pausing for a picnic lunch on the banks of the River Sorgue. Head along to Gautier Park (where you’ll also find a playground for the little ones), or to this spot by the river, where you’ll find picnic tables and shady spots to enjoy your lunch.
Aix-en-Provence
The markets in Aix-en-Provence are also legendary as they spread throughout the city in a colourful display. Held every day (yes, you read that right!), in Place Richelme, this farmers market is complemented by a Provençal market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This “everything” market stretches down Cours Mirabeau before snaking through the old town streets.
My favourite place to eat a picnic lunch in Aix is in the grounds of the Pavillon Vendôme. Parc Jourdan and Parc de la Torse are a little further away, but also lovely spots to have a rest.
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Saint-Remy-de-Provence hosts a mid-week market that’s not to be missed. Head here on a Wednesday morning to browse this lively Provençal market that spreads throughout the town and draws visitors from around the region. Once you’ve filled your basket, head along to Lac du Peirou to graze on the shores of a Roman-made lake, or wander in the direction of Glanum, and have a picnic under the olive trees in Parc d’Amour.
Historic Gardens and Private Courtyards
For a more tranquil dining experience, seek out the hidden courtyards and historic gardens of Provence. Tucked behind ancient walls, within private estates, or even above the ancient city ramparts, these secluded spots offer a taste of Provence at its most elegant.
La Mirande, Avignon
Tucked behind the Palais des Papes, La Mirande is a luxury hotel in the heart of Avignon. For a memorable meal, book an outside table at the Michelin-starred restaurant, and your tastebuds won’t be the only senses in for a treat.
La Bastide de Marie, Menerbes
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a charming farmhouse in the south of France amidst cypress and olive trees, and surrounded by rows of vines, La Bastide de Marie gives you a taste of this lifestyle. Dine on Provençal cuisine in this divine setting that feels straight out of a movie scene.
Jardin des Doms
Perched above the old town walls of Avignon’s historic centre, the Jardin des Doms boasts incredible views over the city. At the heart of the garden, a relaxed cafe offers the chance to settle in for a light lunch or a sweet crepe while watching the ducks cool themselves off in the pond.
Every meal offers the opportunity to connect with Provence – through the food, but also through the landscape, the light, and the centuries of tradition that linger in every village square and vineyard view.
