(48 Avenue Henri Dunant, Grasse. Tel. 04 9370 9494) With a wonderful picture-postcard backdrop and a distinctly Provençal atmosphere, this hotel-restaurant set in enchanting gardens just outside Grasse. Owner Jacques Chibois, one of the Côte d'Azur's leading chefs, concocts fragrant, delicate cuisine featuring truffles, foie gras, crayfish with mushrooms, seabass with asparagus and fennel. Menus range from €53-€170 or choose à la carte (www.jacques-chibois.com).
Château du Domaine Saint-Martin
(Avenue des Templiers, Vence. Tel. 04 9358 0202) Drive up to this deluxe retreat in the hills with a sumptuous view down to the coast for high gastronomy. Special events in September inlude Tango Argentin dinner on the 2nd (€150), gala dinner and art show 7th (€95), cocktail buffet and electronic music 9th (€95), gala dinner with Champagne and foie gras 16th (€240).
Château Eza
(Rue de la Pise, Eze-Village. Tel. 04 9341 1224) Mesmerising view of the coast from this hotel/restaurant dating back to the Middle Ages and perched at the top of the eagle's-nest village of Eze. Wear sensible shoes for the climb, then sit back for a light lunch on the terrace (€35) or a romantic, star-spangled dinner (menus from €65 or à la carte).
Château Eza Restaurant
(Rue de la Pise, Eze Village. Tel. 04 9341 1224) A restaurant with panoramic views of the Cote D\'Azur. Chef Axel Wagner\'s dishes are authentic, elegant French cuisine. Order the seven-course degustation menu at €95.
Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo
(Hôtel Métropole, 4 Avenue de la Madone, Monte-Carlo. Tel. 377 9315 1510) This restaurant run by the famed Joël Robuchon and Christophe Cussac has recently earned a second Michelin star. Expect traditional luxury, an open kitchen and an outdoor terrace.
Keisuke Matsushima
(22 Rue de France. Tel. 04 9382 2606) Recently awarded a Michelin star, this minimalist restaurant blends Mediterranean ingredients and Japanese preparation and cooking techniques.
La Bastide Saint Antoine
(48 Rue Henri Dunant, Grasse. Tel. 049 370 9494) Master chef and owner Jacques Chibois now deservedly claims two Michelin stars to his name. A vast choice of dishes include langoustine papillon and a trio of quails with cinammon-flavoured pumpkin. Heavenly!
La Palme d'Or
(Martinez Hotel, 73 La Croisette, Cannes. Tel. 04 9298 7414) Sporting two Michelin stars, this famous restaurant with a blend of art deco and contemporary décor in shades of beige, silver and raspberry has a magnificent view of the Bay of Cannes. Chefs Christian Willer and Christian Sinicropi offer a double-bill of traditional French dishes and a touch of fusion cuisine, all with seasonal ingredients and artistic plate arrangements. The lunchtime menu is about €55, others at €70 and €140. It reopens mid-December.
La Palme d\'Or, Hotel Martinez
(73 La Croisette, Cannes. Tel. 049 298 7414) Sporting two Michelin stars, this is a restaurant for a special occasion. Divine delicacies include foie gras, lobster and summer truffles. Exquisite cuisine.
La Palme d’Or
(Martinez Hotel, 73 La Croisette, Cannes. Tel. 04 9268 7414) Foie gras, lobster, sea-bass, truffles all feature on the distinguished menu.
