The flavours of Provence are many and, always, unfailingly pleasing. Influences of the Mediterranean reach inland, while the rolling hills and flourishing vineyards promise a different character altogether.
Perched between these hills and the picturesque coastline, you will find the historic and artistic town of Aix-en-Provence. Here, beneath the towering oaks of Vaucluse lie black diamonds of the culinary world: the region's famous truffles. Hanging in plump, voluptuous bunches, the grapes of the season are waiting to be turned into renowned Provençal wines. The scents of lavender and saffron interchange with the seasons, inspiring creation amongst the best of the chefs who flock to the region.
The artistic heart of Provence extends to its cuisine, with several Michelin-star restaurants in Aix-en-Provence, France and more within a stone's throw from the city.
The best Michelin-Star Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence, france, and beyond
Fantastical fusions at Le Art*, Aix-en-Provence
To the northwest of the city lies Château de la Gaude, with its effortlessly chic interior, encased in lush gardens. Dine on the spacious terrace or in the airy and light dining room, where the contemporary art hanging on the walls will add another dimension to this sensory experience.
Chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal, who creatively fuses Provençal flavours with Japanese influences, has truly made a name for himself on this vine-strung landscape.
Pastry chef Maëlle Bruguera has brought her creativity to the table and, as a result, has been recognised with a Passion Dessert award along with only 11 other pastry chefs in France.
Given the restaurant's location, amongst the renowned vines of Provence and its very own vineyard, it's no surprise that this luxury restaurant boasts a very good wine list. See our article on where to sip the best wines in Provence for more addresses.
Provençal grandeur and gastronomy at La Table de Pierre Reboul*, Aix-en-Provence
In the opulent and vast Chateau de la Pioline, a 16th-century residence that is most magical in the evenings when lit with the warm glow of its surrounding lights, you will find chef Pierre Reboul's eponymous restaurant.
With a wellspring of training and mentoring from the best of France's cuisine, such as Michel Chabran and Jacques Pic, Reboul will dance you through tradition and modernity with his incisive and original dishes.
Reboul brings the best out of his locally and regionally sourced produce, with organic fruit and vegetables and fish from the Mediterranean. The flamby de foie gras is the delectable depiction of where contemporary and traditional cuisine meet with a flavoursome flourish. As far as Michelin-star restaurants in Aix-en-Provence, France go, this one is up there with the most beautiful.
In the heart of the city at Mikaël Féval*, Aix-en-Provence
In the centre of Aix, Mikaël Féval has made himself at home since 2015, adding another gem to the crown of culinary excellence in the city. The menu moves with the bounty of each season, melding the best flavours and ingredients into colourful and creative dishes.
The fish dishes are Féval's speciality, as the comfortable restaurant whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of this spirited city. It's location paired with the delights that come from his kitchen make Féval's restaurant one of our favourite Michelin-star restaurants in Aix-en-Provence, France.
This restaurant is a great taste not only of delectable meals, but also what luxury travel looks like in Provence.
L'Oustau de Baumenière***, Les-Baux-de-Provence
Excellence finds its way into every aspect of Glenn Viel's L'Ousteau de Baumenière. While it is not in Aix-en-Provence, it is well worth the journey if you are staying in the area. The 16th-century residence boldly stands amongst the bulging boulders and the jutting rocks to the north of Les-Baux-de-Provence.
Choose between the lavish interior or the shady terrace to savour the gustatory experience of a lifetime. It's one of our favourite things to do in Provence.
Chef Viel blends together old favourites with flair, always with a doff of the cap to the ingredients he uses. With its Michelin Green Star, this creativity is all executed with a conscience. The restaurant is an hour drive from Aix, but from one of our luxury villa rentals in the area, you can half that journey.
The finest of any luxury hotels' restaurants: Christophe Bacquié***, Castellet
Also not in Aix-en-Provence, but also worth every ounce of effort to get there. A 50-minute drive from the heart of Aix, Christophe Bacquié, named after the chef himself, is situated in the plush embrace of Hotel du Castellet's grounds.
Here, the finest ingredients are curated and transformed into dishes of rounded and textured passion. On top of that, these ambrosial plates are all served in an opulent setting that overlooks the hotel and spa's Mediterranean gardens.
Since he arrived at Hotel du Castell, Corsica-raised Bacquié has always demonstrated his growth as a chef, from attaining his first star in 2002 to being named Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in 2004 to being heralded with the highest accolade in the world of cuisine, three stars, in 2018.
Finding these Michelin-star restaurants in Aix-en-Provence, France is easy on your Provence holidays with Le Collectionist. Explore our luxury villa rentals in Provence to springboard your next gastronomic adventure.