Food is my passion, especially French food! Saint-Paul de Vence is one of my favorite hilltop towns in the South of France. I could easily spend the rest of my days there, strolling the alleys and eating wonderful food. Dining in Saint-Paul de Vence is a delightful experience.

Yes, Saint-Paul has its share of Michelin starred restaurants, La Colombe D’Or being one of the most famous with its stunning artwork. Honestly, I find the food and service better at some of the smaller establishments in town. But do stop at La Colombe D’Or, if only for a cocktail and to admire the art.

Located just 30 minutes from Nice, this beautiful medieval town should definitely be on your bucket list!

Gourmet Shops

Before I mention two of my favorite restaurants in Saint-Paul de Vence, I have to tell you about three food shops you MUST visit.

First, stop by 1830 located on the main street in old town. Sample the various olive oils, vinegars, truffle products, jams and honey. They also have some beautiful kitchen linens and scented soaps. Everything they have would make fabulous gifts to bring home!

Next, definitely visit my favorite shop in all of Saint-Paul de Vence. You’ll find various spices, spiced sea salt mixtures, tea, and wonderfully scented French lotions and potions of all kinds. Trust me, you won’t leave this place empty handed!

Finally, don’t miss the Fromager de Saint-Paul, the town cheese shop. Is there anything better than a smelly cheese shop in France? Ok, maybe not for everyone, but I could park myself there for hours sampling all of the yummy food. Confession time: I make it my mission to eat tons of cheese and pâté when in France, I can practically hear my arteries closing LOL.

This shop has the most delicious cheeses and pâtés. You can pick up some wine, bread, and sweets there as well for a wonderful picnic. To top it off, there are tables on the patio below for a delicious lunch!

Le Tilleul

Take the first left after the main entrance into old town Saint-Paul de Vence to find Le Tilleul. This café/restaurant is an amazing spot for lunch or dinner on a beautiful sunny day. Try to sit under the chestnut trees across from the restaurant for a fantastic view. If it’s cold or raining, the restaurant has plenty of tables inside on two levels.

Start with the calamari appetizer, it’s fresh and so good. Their Niçoise salad is absolutely delicious, the seared fresh tuna has a cumin spiced crust that is to die for. Also, the Pasta with Clams is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Just the right amount of garlic, white wine and plenty of fresh clams.

Finish off your meal with a delicious homemade dessert…perhaps a fresh fruit tart or some ice cream?

The staff is veryfriendly, efficient and most speak English. Open daily from 8 am- 10 pm.

La Sierra Restaurant

Arguably one of my favorite restaurants in town, this place is amazing. I always sit on the terrace above, for the amazing views. There is also a small garden patio below, however it has no views…so sit on the upper terrace if you can! There are also some tables inside, if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Located above the ramparts, to the left of rue Grande, this restaurant is a fabulous place for lunch or dinner. Their menu includes many traditional French and local specialties.

Start with the house Foie Gras or the traditional Escargots. Or, have both (we did).

The daily specials are amazing and usually your best bet. On our last visit, we had the Provençal salad platter and the duck special. Both were absolutely delicious. The salad comes with various meats, roasted and grilled vegetables, a slice of Pissaladière (local caramelized onion tart), tapenade, and burrata cheese. This salad is a fabulous way to sample several local delicacies at once!

The duck breast is served with a decadent cherry sauce, side salad, ratatouille and fries. Trust me, this dish is so French and so unbelievably good!

Finish off with one of their house-made desserts, or stop at the ice cream shop just up the road! La Sierra is open for lunch and dinner.

Hungry yet? Ok, enough food porn. My stomach is growling and I’m totally drooling now.

If you haven’t been to Saint-Paul, go…now. Be sure to check out Exploring Saint-Paul de Vence before you go. Also, plan to visit some other hilltop towns like Amazing Tourrettes-our-Loup, France while in the area.

Questions or comments? Drop me a line below.

Bon Voyage!

XOXO

Susie