Here’s a recommendation for lunch which will take you right off the beaten track and far away from tourist groups.
Don’t read on if you are looking for fine dining and sophistication. Chez-le-Garde won’t offer you that. But for me, it was a truly Provencal experience: we were surrounded by French families, welcomed by friendly staff and a warm fire plus there was a superb view of the Sainte-Victoire. A winning combination.
Until 1953, the building was home to the local gard-chasse, the gamekeeper, who got a reputation for his patés and game. Slowly it became a restaurant and with its success, bits were added – conservatory, lean-to extensions, a terrace. A delightful muddle with absolutely no pretensions to style.
We had lunch one Sunday at the end of January and felt so happy to be in such an environment. Pizzas figure largely on the menu – I had the Pizza du Garde which is their speciality (Sauce tomate, emmental, mesclun, chèvre, camembert, bleu, tomates séchées, olives) and it was delicious.
But there are other dishes to try from the blackboard (gnocchi au gorgonzola, entrecote marseillaise, etc) and a good range of desserts. The table wine, both red and white, was excellent – it came from the vineyard Fredavelle at Eguilles.
What with the roaring fire and the pizza oven, it was a very cosy experience; but we plan to go back in warmer weather to enjoy the terrace and its views of the Sainte-Victoire – and to take advantage of the boulodrome.
Open in winter Wed-Sun, lunch and evening. Reservations necessary.
Address: 342 RD10, 13126 Vauvenargue.
Website: http://www.chez-le-garde.fr/
Hello Lynne – Kirk and I continue to enjoy your posts! Is this restaurant right in the village? We would travel to Vauvenargues via bus, and would enjoy a meal here if it’s right in town. Thanks-
Anne
Hi Anne,
No it isn’t in the village. It is the old game-keepers chalet so very rural. You really would need a car to get there. Have fun in Aix!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I will definitely visit this restaurant soon.By the way I would like to say a big thank you for all your reviews especially that ones about cafes and restaurant in Aix. I try few of your recommendation and they were all very nice and special as you described. Before I never had a luck with eating out in Aix En Provence and been disappointed for a long time till I found your website. Thank you!
Glad it’s helpful. I’m sure you will enjoy Chez Le Garde…..
Oh là là … sounds like my kind of place. Thanks!
It’s just fun, local, very French and with views of Sainte-Victoire…very nice with little ones too.