Gourmet French Riviera

The South of France has many incredible culinary options, from relaxed but refined spots like Vence’s Le Tilleul (a must if you’re staying at Chateau St.-Martin) to Michelin-starred eateries in St. Tropez and Antibes. It also has gorgeous vineyards producing wines that pair perfectly with the area’s haute cuisine. Here are five gastronomic temples that some consider the top dining destinations of the coast – and some places to purchase an accompanying vintage or do take a wine-tasting workshop.

Haute Cuisine

: This St. Tropez restaurant will be the summer’s hottest Riviera table, boasting a newly-awarded third Michelin star for young chef Arnaud Donckele.

(Driving Times: From Chateau St.-Martin: 1 hour 30 min.; From Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc: 1 hour 30 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 1 hour 45 min.)

Le Saint-Martin: Up in the breezy pine-shaded hills of Vence, Le Saint-Martin at hotel Chateau St.-Martin is headed by talented chef Yannick Franques whose artful, inspired dishes have garnered him two Michelin stars.

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour 30 min.; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 45 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 1 hour.)

La Palme d’Or: The restaurant at the Hôtel Martinez is more fun than most haute cuisine, since the wildly original, Michelin two-star chef, Christian Sinicropi takes pride in his whimsical dishes (served on ceramic plates he designed himself).

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour 15 min.; From Chateau St.-Martin: 45 min.; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 30 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 1 hour)

Le Château Eza: Nothing beats the panoramic view of the coast from the shady dining terrace of the Le Château Eza, built into the cliff of the medieval village of Eze, some 400-odd meters above sea level.

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour 45 min.; From Chateau St.-Martin: 45 min.; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 45 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 15 min.)

Le Cap: Michelin-starred chef Didier Aniés excels in delicate flavors and Mediterranean-style specialties, served on Le Cap's peaceful garden terrace or in the revamped cozy dining room lined with Cocteau-inspired frescoes.

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour 45 min.; From Chateau St.-Martin: 45 min.; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 1 hour.)

Vineyards

: This unique vineyard is housed in a 12th century cloister, surrounded by a rose garden and contemporary sculptures and a Baroque chapel next door, with works by Chagall and Giacometti, plus evening concerts from jazz and flamenco. Offers both wine-tasting and private 3-hour workshops.

(Driving times: From St. Tropez: 45 min.; From Chateau St.-Martin: 1 hour 30 min.; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 1 hour; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 1 hour 45 min.)

Château de Berne: Hidden away in the leafy countryside of Lorgues, the Château de Berne boasts some of the Var’s top-notch vintages and offers a variety of wine-tasting workshops (from 1-3 hours) on their sprawling estate. Kids can take advantage of other activities including renting a quad or dune buggy (from 1-3 hours) for a spin through the vast park.

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour; From Chateau St.-Martin: 1 hour; From Hotel du Cap Eden Roc: 1 hour 20 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 1 hour 15 min.)

Château du Bellet: Take a tour through Nice’s pride and joy, these award-winning, 55-hectare vineyards, up in the hillsides of Nice, known for the unique folle noire, a dark full-bodied fruity grape that grows only in the chalky soil of Le Bellet.

(Driving Times: From St. Tropez: 1 hour 30 min; From Chateau St.-Martin: 40 min.; FromHotel du Cap Eden Roc: 45 min.; From Grand Hotel Cap-Ferrat or Hotel Royal Riviera: 40 min.)