PAR ADOU I ALPILLES
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As the renowned French singer songwriter Charles Trenet
waxed so poetically in his popular song of the same name,
the Nationale 7 is an unforgettable route. “It’s a holiday road
that covers Burgundy and Provence”, just like the menu at
the Paradou.
"e D17 winds pleasantly along from Fontvieille to Mouriès.
"e Paradou, a former post-house, puts a smile on your face
as soon as you behold its welcoming façade of pale Alpilles
stone. "e ceiling is oak-beamed and the cement tiles are
original from 1832. "e dining room is simple and light-
filled, with carefully-spaced tables; servers weave skillfully
around the room, bearing white porcelain plates laden with
(depending on the day) aïoli, local lamb, veal head ravigote
(a slightly acidic sauce, served hot or cold, with shallots,
capers, herbs and vinegar), skewers of Bresse chicken, snails
in garlic butter, or cassoulet.
IT’S NOT ABOUT RE-VISITING. WE’RE VISITING
THE MOST ADORABLE OF FRENCH BISTROS.
"e cooking is family-style, with simple and perfectly
executed dishes. "e Paradou’s time-worn recipe is for
skillfully tempting the appetite and inviting conversation
amongst the tables, whatever their size. "is restaurant is a
horn of plenty: for food and for words.
"e Paradou is one of those bistros that’s its own little world.
And: world-renowned! "e international press has referred
to it in depictions of 1950s France. Charles Aznavour had
his very own table there for more than 20 years, right in
the kitchen. It was known as “the captain’s table” where he
ate with the owner and the staff, and he had another one
set up out in the restaurant. Moved with nostalgia, Vincent
Quenin reminisces: “He was with family and friends there,
and mingling with regulars, right until the end.” From the
beginning, perhaps there was just this joyful idea: “Let’s go
to the bistro!”
Le Bistrot de Saint-Rémy
reprenant le même esprit
et le même concept
que le Bistrot du Paradou.
The Bistrot de Saint-Rémy
is similar in style and concept
to the Bistrot du Paradou.