A gastronomic experience in the heart of nature, 2 km from the village, with views of the Alps
At Domaine du Deffends, Michelin-starred chef Bruno Gazagnaire offers an exceptional lunch on the cellar’s panoramic terrace, facing the Alps. Far from the hustle and bustle, after a 2 km drive through the Provencal countryside, you’ll discover a table set in an authentic, soothing setting – a gastronomic meal in the open air, with your feet in the vineyard.
What you’ll experience
Generous, tasty and comforting cuisine, made entirely from carefully selected local produce. The menu includes a starter, main course and dessert, accompanied by water, coffee and an optional wine pairing with Domaine du Deffends wines. The atmosphere is resolutely relaxed, the service attentive: a Provençal parenthesis of well-being.
Chef Bruno Gazagnaire
Bruno Gazagnaire is a former student of Alain Ducasse at the Louis XV in Monaco. His impressive career has taken him to some of France’s most prestigious establishments: the Palais de l’Élysée, Château Saint-Martin in Vence, La Bastide de Gordes, Château Eza in Èze, and the Palme d’Or in Cannes. Settled in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume since 2013, he now puts his talent at the service of sincere, masterful local cuisine.
Dates 2026:
- Jeudi 14 mai (Ascension) 45€.
- Stuffed Baby Vegetables from Provence and Fresh Tomato Gazpacho
- Free-range chicken breast with lemongrass, seasonal vegetables
- Fresh cheese from Manon’s farm, strawberries from the valley, and basil
- Dimanche 24 mai (Pentecôte) 54€
- Seafood tartare with sun-dried tomatoes and basil
- Cod fillet with saffron potatoes, bouillabaisse sauce
- Apple Shortbread
- Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day) €54
- Lemon hummus with plain-grown chickpeas in an octopus salad
- Duck breast, honey and sherry vinegar sauce, seasonal vegetables
- Panna cotta with Réunion vanilla. Cooked and raw apricots
Practical info
- 📍 Location: Domaine du Deffends, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Var (83)
- 🍽️ Menu: appetizer, main course, dessert—€45 or €54
- 🍷 Food and wine pairing at Domaine du Deffends—€24, or wine by the glass or by the bottle
- ☔ In case of rain: lunch is held in Bruno’s restaurant
- 📅 Reservations required 24 hours in advance
Ideal for: gourmet lunch in Provence – wine tourism experience – nature and gastronomy outing near Saint-Maximin – restaurant mountain view Var – things to do near Aix-en-Provence – vineyard activity Provence