Page 205 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  203

Ferdinand Léger's tiled mural still graces the terrace at La Colombe d'Or, St-Paul de Vence (see pp210–11)
Service
300 per cent). Most wine is locally the rules. Outdoors, there
produced and usually served in As eating is a leisurely pastime may be a special section of the
carafes. If in doubt, choosing the in France, service can be slow. In terrace set aside for smokers.
house wine (la réserve or la réserve or la réserve vin de small restaurants do not expect
la maison) is a safe bet. Ordering rapid attention: there may be
quar
quart (25 cl) is t (25 cl) is t
a demi (50 cl) or demi (50 cl) or demi quar only one waiter and dishes are Picnics
an inexpensive way of sampling cooked to order. Picnicking is the best way to enjoy
the wine before ordering more. the wonderful fresh produce,
French law divides the country’s bread, cheeses and charcuterie
wines into three classes, in Wheelchair Access from Provence’s enticing markets
ascending order of quality: Wheelchair access to many and shops. Picnic areas along
the lowest level is Vin de France, restaurants is restricted. In major roads are well marked and
the intermediate category summer, this will be less of a furnished with tables and chairs;
is Indication géographique problem at establishments those along country lanes are
protégée (IGP) and the highest with outside terraces. Even so, better still.
category is Appellation d'origine when booking ahead, ask for
protégée (AOP). a conveniently situated table.
Recommended
Restaurants
Vegetarian Food Smoking
The restaurants recommended
Uniquely vegetarian restaurants Smoking is banned in all public on pages 208–17 include some
are hard to find, as this concept places in France, with restaurant of the best in Provence. They have
largely has yet to filter down to and bar owners facing heavy been chosen for their reliably
the carnivorous south, although fines if they do not adhere to good food and service, with the
bio (organic) restaurants are aim of presenting a wide range
increasingly springing up. Most of cuisine and price ranges in the
establishments will offer salads, region’s most visited cities, towns,
omelettes or soup, or dishes from villages and countryside. Many
the entrée menu. Pasta and pizza rural restaurants are attached to
are popular vegetarian standbys. hotels but serve a predominantly
non­residential clientele. These
often offer good value for money
Children and are mostly the focus of local
Meals in Provence are very much social activity.
a family affair and children are Among the listings are entries
welcome in most places. How­ marked as “DK Choice”. These
ever, special facilities like high are restaurants that have been
chairs or baby seats are rarely selected for one or more excep­
provided. Many establishments tional features, whether it is the
have a children’s menu and superb quality of the cuisine,
most will be happy to provide Château Eza in the village perché of Eze village perché of Eze village perché the fine atmosphere, a beautiful
smaller dishes at reduced rates. (see p209) setting or spectacular views.