I'm leaving for Arles in a couple of weeks. (I know, I know: a terrible time to go to Provence, but hey, I had a surprise week off.)

Does anyone have any suggestions for places to eat, particularly casual/informal? I'm a woman travelling solo and dining alone in a formal restaurant seems daunting to me.

I will probably play most of this trip's dining by ear (no offense to Van Gogh), but I usually like to have one meal that knocks my socks off.

Thanks to all for any recommendations.

Do you want suggestions in Arles itself or in the surrounding area?

I do like my wine with dinner, so I'll probably stick to Arles for the evenings. I could drive somewhere for lunch, however.

I like a place the Locals go to it's "L'Affanage." 4 rue Moliere. And if the "Vaccares" is still open(opposite the Nord Pinus Hotel,)
There's a wonderfu Tapas bar but can't remember the name.

Thanks for the replies. I'm not a terribly difficult-to-please eater, but I do like to have at least one memorable meal on vacation. It is France, after all.

Cigalechanta, I cross-referenced the tapas suggestion with eGullet, and I want to say this place is also an organic farm? If so, I will definitely try to check it out.

Again, thank you.

No, the organic farm restaurant is La Chassagnette in the Camargue outside of Arles

http://www.departures.com/bb/bb_0303_camargue.html

La Chassagnette
Route du Sambuc
13200, Arles

Here is a link to a thread on Dining in Arles:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34477773