La Passagère - Hôtel Belles Rives

The first thing to strike guests in this hotel, where Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald played out their tumultuous romance in the 1920s, is its jaw-dropping location. It’s not easy for a chef to leave his stamp in such a venue, yet Aurélien Véquaud does just that. In a high-flying menu throbbing with Mediterranean flavours (such as little tunny, semi-baked tomato and roquette dressing), the chef’s Vendée origins still shine through in each plate. Unpasteurised cream jazzes up the signature dish of crab ravioli, caviar and verbena foam, while specialties from the Vendée (préfou and mouclade) are given a new spin and served as appetisers. Let’s not forget the truly heroic desserts by pastry wizard, Steve Moracchini, who conjures up exquisitely delicate delights, such as a delectable mirabelle plum tartlet. The restaurant’s terrace commands a breathtaking view of the sea and the Esterel mountains.