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When the French Revolution erupted in 1789, the people of Marseille were among its staunchest supporters, marching to a tune that became known as La Marseillaise, now France’s national anthem.

Dominique le Stanc turned his back on superchef stress to open this little restaurant. No telephone, no pretension – just simple excellence.

This small 1-star site with space for 40 tents is in the heart of the Parc National du Mercantour (see Parc National du Mercantour). Not a luxury site, but it does offer unlimited hot showers.

Fine eating beside the Papal Palace. Do try the grilled red snapper scented with thyme. Summer dining is on the terrace looking on to the palace (see La Mirande, Avignon).

La Mirande was a cardinal’s mansion during the popes’ time in Avignon. Subsequently it became a sober 18th-century town house, renovated in the 1980s. The restaurant offers fresh, inventive cooking of the highest class (see La Mirande, Avignon).

This 1887 painting is one of Cézanne’s most renowned images of the Provence mountain (see Mont Sainte-Victoire).

The restaurant of the Hotel Martinez affords magnificent views of the Cannes promenade. This is where the film-making classes go for the best food in town, including Provençale specialities like lambs’ feet croquettes with artichoke (see La Palme d’Or, Hôtel Martinez, Cannes).

The restaurant at the Hotel Martinez is where stars dine, as the signed photos in the foyer attest. The menu is suitably opulent, with lobster and foie gras. Dress to kill and prepare to reach your credit card limit (see La Palme d’Or, Hôtel Martinez, Cannes).

A grand address and a menu to match. Dress your best for a meal to remember (see La Palme d’Or, Cannes).

Not only a good wine shop and delicatessen but also a restaurant and sophisticated take-away outlet. In addition, it’s open every night until 2am.