DINE WITH FRIENDS, THERE'S NOTHING BETTER

A fine view on a warm sunny day, a glass of wine, new tastes with old friends, there are few better things in life. There are so many great restaurants in great locations they warrant a whole web site, but we'll do our best to give you a flavour of what you could experience just a short drive away from Le Foulon. These are places we know and have enjoyed, and this is our honest opinion.

A few tips to help you enjoy eating out in Provence: it's not traditional here to get a drink before all your party have arrived, so it's not poor service when they leave you unattended as you wait for the last of your group, it's just cultural! The lunchtime drink of choice is Rosé - and the cheapest Cote de Provence served in a carafe is just perfect. Evenings start for a Provençal with a glass or two of Pastis, the aniseed flavoured aperitif. If you think you've made your mind up about this strong flavoured drink please try it again. In the new context of whetting the appetite at the end of a sunny day in the South of France, you might just get hooked.

Please note, most kitchens in France will turn away custom at 2pm, for locals and tourists alike. I have mentioned in the description if this is not the case. Also, if you are more then 4 people we'd recommend you book: French chefs don't see Euro signs when a large group walk in unannounced, they see hassle and a late afternoon washing-up, so please make use of the phone numbers provided and when possible give them 24hrs notice.

VIEUX AUBERGE - GREOLIERES +33 (0)493 59 03 02

This is a superb little restaurant run by Didier and Fabrice, usually aided by an English girl called Lucy who spent a lot of her childhood in the village. They offer 3 courses at a reduced rate and unlike most 'menus' it allows you to choose what you like from the a la carte. It has a homely atmosphere inside, but for most of the year you'll want to sit outside and watch the village life pass by. The foie gras starter is delicious and the breast of duck in a honey sauce is a favourite main course. They also do one of the best steaks for many a mile. And by the way, the main courses are pretty big, so pack an appetite. Often serves into the afternoon, but evenings are by reservation only for large groups.

BARRICADE - GREOLIERES +33 (0)493 59 98 68

Run by Charline, her husband Pascal and daughter Zoe, they do a fantastic pizza in the evening when the wood fired oven is lit, a choice of great burgers and a selection of salads and Provencal specialities. A small outside terrace is open in the spring and summer and is a great place to catch your breath and take a spot of lunch after the walk up from Le Foulon. If you like your pizza hot you can ask if Pascal has got some fresh chilis to hand, or just spice it up yourself with the milder option of some chili oil. Take-away available.

LE RELAIS - GREOLIERES +33 (0)493 32 03 86

The Relais is more of a snack bar that does some main courses, but its greatest assets are the sunny terrace with a view up the South face of the Cheiron mountain, and the owner Philippe. He's a Corsican with a great sense of humour, some good banter and a great outlook on life. The menu includes some tasty salads, a full range of toasted bruschettas and a plat du jour that is usually a daube in the Winter months and duck or steak in the summer. They also do a tasty tartare and very good chips. Friendly, good value, and a great view - what more do you need? Free Wi-fi and serves throughout the afternoon but not in the evenings.

LA VIEILLE VIGNE - CIPIERES +33 (0)4 93 32 13 97

Opened in 2014 the restaurant is situated on the edge of the pretty village of Cipieres (just 2kms by woodland footpath from the Foulon) in a house that's been in the chef's family for generations - which is about the same amount of time it took for the ancient vine in the courtyard to grow, from which the restaurant takes its name. Chef Ghislaine and her husband run the restaurant with a passion for cooking, and it shows in the taste. The fruit and vegetables come from the gardens around the sunny terrace, redefining the flavour of tomatoes for one. The lamb comes from the hills around the village, the goat's cheese from the nearby farm and the recipes have been passed down through the centuries. Simple, honest, packed with flavour, and all served at a Provencal pace that relaxes you as well as a good massage. And I haven't even mentioned the beautiful view..

AUBERGES DES GORGES DU LOUP - PONT DU LOUP +33 (0)493 59 38 01

At the mouth of the gorge this large restaurant and auberge has been operating since the boom years of Pont du Loup and is the only surviving hotel from the era. For more about the history of this village click here. An old fashioned French restaurant (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that) it has several set menus offering delicious fare and very good value. They do a superb guinea fowl, their salmon is top-notch whether as a starter or a main, and the service is irreproachable. The owner is very friendly and very hands on - he seems to work all hours God sends him. His wife, who runs the kitchen, is from Tahiti and his son is continuing the tradition of welcoming guests and keeping them happy. The larger terrace beneath ancient palm trees is a great high summer shady spot and you can really feel the history of the place. Great restaurant.

LE JARRERIE - BAR SUR LOUP +33 (0)493 42 92 92

Unassuming from the outside this restaurant's character completely changes once you are through the door. Part of an old monastery the dining room has seen use in the perfume industry, an olive press and finally as a place where preserves were jarred (hence the name). Like a medieval banqueting hall there is a sense of occasion every time you eat here. The food is very rich, very French, and very good. One of the highlights is the cheese trolley, were you can choose from a huge selection of quality cheeses. Great for an occasion - one of our guests even proposed to his girlfriend here and are now happily married.

MICHELANGELOS - BAR SUR LOUP +33 (0)6 65 68 81 20

This is a small and simple restaurant that is great for a lunch stop. The terrace is a beautiful spot, shaded with grape vines and with a far reaching view across the verdant valley that's fed by the river loup. It does a good pizza, some tasty salads and a selection of pasta. Unassuming and quite good value.

LE CLOVIS - TOURRETTES SUR LOUP +33 (0)4 93 58 87 04

The owners of Le Clovis have put passion, quality and imagination into their restaurant and were richly rewarded with a Michelin star in February 2012. Having recently tried it we love it - a very modern twist on French cuisine. And it's situated in the heart of the old town of Tourettes sur Loup, very pretty and traffic-free. If you like your food both surprising and packed full of flavour then it's highly recommended.

LA COLOMBE D'OR - ST PAUL DE VENCE +33 (0)4 93 32 80 02

One of the most famous restaurants on the Cote d'Azur this is also one of our favourites. Unpretentious in both atmosphere and cuisine you'll have a taste of real Provence. Made famous by the artists that once frequented the restaurant the sympathetic owner often took payment for their extensive tabs with the odd canvas or two. The walls are now adorned by Matisse, Braque, Picasso and many, many others. So it pays to be kind to penniless artists! Great people watching spot. Pricey and can be booked up weeks, even months in advance.

LES GRANDS HOMMES - GOURDON +33 (0)4 93 77 66 21

Best value spot in the village of Gourdon, but you're certainly not short changed by the chef. Grab a table in the pedestrian main street and people-watch whilst the ever helpful owner brings you tasty treats like salt-fed lamb with dauphinoise potatoes - our favourite. Not a particularly big menu, but it makes it easier to choose and it's all very good. There's a small roof terrace which is only better than outside the restaurant if you get the table next to the large round opening in the wall - from here you are on top of the World with an uninterrupted view from Nice all the way down to the bay of Cannes.

TAVERNE PROVENCALE - GOURDON +33 (0)493 09 68 22

Just 10 minute's drive from Le Foulon and you have the beautiful Chateau village of Gourdon with one of the best views of the Cote d'Azur from anywhere in Provence. And the Taverne Provencale is one of the best places to soak it in over a long lazy lunch. For more information on Gourdon click here. The Taverne has been run by the same family for 3 generations now and provides a very warm welcome and attentive service, even on the busiest sunny day in August when it's advisable to book - mention you're staying at Le Foulon and they'll ensure you get a good table.

AU FIL DU TEMPS - MAGAGNOSC +33 (0)4 93 36 20 64

Winning a michelin star in 2012 we have yet to try the restaurant, but good friends have been and raved about the exquisite cuisine, attention to detail and warm friendly service. Situated just 5 minute's drive towards Grasse from Chateauneuf their only comment was a desire to see some trees over the road trimmed in height to reveal the beautiful view down towards Cannes.

BASTIDE DE ST ANTOINE - GRASSE +33 (0)4 93 70 94 94

The bastide is the epitome of the Michelin star system before they relaxed the rules a little. A touch pretentious, but with the cuisine to back it up, you'll pay proper Michelin prices, but have a meal to remember. Top tip is to go there for a sunny lunch - the atmosphere and setting in the immaculate gardens are so much nicer than the slightly stuffy interior, it's better value for exactly the same refined quality of cuisine and the clientele seem to be having a better time, which all adds to the ambience.