one (or 2) restaurants in provence
 

We'll be staying in lagnes (near L'isle sur la sorgue and avignon) for 3 weeks in september. We were thinking of making advance dinner reservations (I guess lunch would also work) for one or 2 "must eat at" restaurants in Provence. I'd be most appreciative to read about your favorite do not miss restaurant. Price not an issue but fresh food is - especially crunchy, yummy vegetables. Thank you.

It's a bit of a hike, but I think everyone in this forum will recommend La Chassagnette -- a fantastic place about 20 minutes south of Arles in the Camargue. I had dinner there with my husband and two friends a couple weeks ago and we were all blown away. You begin with a walk through a gorgeous organic garden and then feast on a vast array (in our case, 14) little tapas creations from whatever's fresh that day. No ordering! If you love crunchy, yummy vegetables you'll be in heaven.

Did you make an advance reservation for la chassagnette and if so, how far in advance? Just read your south of france post - fantastic! Many thanks for your recommendation.

Le Mas de la Cure Bourse, just outside L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, is very nice for either lunch or dinner.

I stayed in Langes one year at the Mas de Gres, when not eating there, a favorite is next town, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue at "Le Jardin du Quai"
If you don't mind driving to the Camargue, "La Chassenette"is very special. In Avignon, I like Christian Etaine's and Bain Marie.

Also just outside of Lagnes, Route d'Apt is the Mas de Cureboug run by Helene Degrugillier-Dampiere, an antique dealer who also make reproductions. I can't afford her stuff but I do Leche Vitrine and bought a ceramic cigale. She was the one who suggested the Gres to us as we were travelling without reservations. She also was the one who steered us to a favorite, "Chez Philipe" in Fontainbe de Vaucluse where we dined overlooking the waterfalls.

emcass, should you go to La Chassagnette
go for lunch when you can sitoutside facing the herb garden. At night the mosquitos are out so you might have to eat inside. The confitures they sell in the bar area are excellant. I bought a few for us and for gifts that broughtcompliments. And, if you go, notice the wall covering, chicken wire over Laurel(Bay) leaves. This was decorated by the lady who owns the Nord Pinus in Arles.

Shoot! no editing sorry-excellent and etc.

Near L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a very nice little restaurant/hotel, Le Mas de Cure Bourse. Finding it is a bit dicey; so ask for directions when you reserve.

In september, at the Bourse, you'll be in luck with the fig trees in Bloom. When we stayed there , I gathered some so have with my breakfast. You'll see signs with arrows leading yopu to a narrow road that leads you to the hotel.

Re: La Chassagnette, that's a great tip about going for lunch to avoid the mosquitos! We had dinner and were a bit chewed up after our walk.

We did have reservations, and were surprised we could get them for a Sunday night just four days in advance. The restaurant was fairly empty, but I wondered if reservations were necessary even so because they only make enough food for the number of people they're expecting (?) It seemed that since everything's so fresh, there's no ordering from a menu, and they're in a remote location, they probably would need to have an idea of how much food to prepare.

PS -- Thanks for slogging through my trip report!! I have been wondering if it's too hard for people to find or if it's just too boring to read!

abby, there's a different crowd here on certain hours. There's no shame in topping your own report to share your wonderful report. I top mine!

cigalechanta, grandmere and underhill -been reading your posts for months. So appreciative that you all took the time to respond. I've saved your information (and abbydog's trip report) and will post my trip highlights end of spetember.

I'm honored to be included in such esteemed company!

Have a wonderful trip!