Hostellerie Abbaye de la Celle

Located midway between Nice and Aix-en-Provence sits this Alain Ducasse–owned, peaceful country inn and restaurant. Surrounded by vineyards, the eatery is a terrific stopover for lunch, which is served on a chestnut tree-shaded terrace. The ever-changing menu features refined Mediterranean specialties like purple artichokes, John Dory fish steamed in fig leaves or foie gras–stuffed quail with raisins and wild mushrooms. After the local cheese platter, try the divine pear-chocolate pastry. The impressive wine list includes all the top local Côteaux Varois, a blend of 88 rare varieties of grapes. Try the Abbaye de la Celle’s own exceptional varietals.