Le Relais des Moines
Les Arcs, France
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Nestling amid the greenery, this gorgeous 16C bastide looks out over the Massif des Maures and the picturesque village of Arc-sur-Argens. The son of restaurateurs from the South-West, Sébastien Sanjou has set up shop in the Var, where his early endeavours were supported by Jacques Maximin and Alain Ducasse. This native of Tarbes is savvily making the Mediterranean terroir his own, cultivating, for example, an exceptional partnership with market gardener Philippe Auda. Wonderfully ripe and juicy tomatoes, served with a basil sorbet and burrata and seasoned with olive oil and Baume de Bouteville vinegar, make for a fantastically sunny starter. This is typical of his cuisine: colourful and imaginative, with, at the heart of each dish, a wonderful ingredient that has been carefully prepared with respect for its original flavour.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Relais des Moines in Les Arcs:
1. Location in a 16th-Century Bastide with Scenic Views
Le Relais des Moines is housed in an authentic 16th-century stone bastide, offering a historic and atmospheric setting. It overlooks the Massif des Maures and the picturesque village of Arc-sur-Argens, providing guests with a beautiful and tranquil environment far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
2. Culinary Style Rooted in South-Western and Mediterranean Fusion
Chef Sébastien Sanjou, originally from the South-West of France, blends his regional heritage with Mediterranean influences. His cuisine highlights local products with a colorful and imaginative approach, focusing on respecting the original flavors of exceptional ingredients, such as ripe tomatoes paired with basil sorbet and burrata, seasoned with olive oil and regional vinegar.
3. Exceptional Value Lunch Menu with Inclusive Wine and Coffee
From Wednesday to Friday, the restaurant offers a 3-course lunch menu priced at only 48 euros, which includes two glasses of wine, water, and coffee. This all-inclusive offer is considered a bargain for a Michelin-starred experience and provides an accessible way to enjoy fine dining in a historic Provençal village.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Relais des Moines in Les Arcs reflect a strong focus on Mediterranean terroir, local and seasonal produce, and refined, respectful preparation. Key ingredients and their significance include:
Ripe and Juicy Tomatoes: Featured in a signature starter dish, tomatoes are served with basil sorbet and burrata, seasoned with olive oil and Baume de Bouteville vinegar. This dish highlights the freshness and sun-kissed quality of the tomatoes, emblematic of the Mediterranean region, and showcases the chef’s respect for the original flavor of the ingredient.
Basil: Used creatively as a sorbet accompaniment to tomatoes, basil adds aromatic freshness and a cooling contrast, enhancing the dish’s Mediterranean character.
Burrata: This creamy cheese complements the tomatoes and basil sorbet, adding richness and texture to the dish, emphasizing the balance of flavors and the use of quality dairy products from the region.
Foie Gras (Fresh Duck Liver from Chalosse): Prepared delicately, often poached in pot-au-feu broth and served with young greens, this ingredient reflects the chef’s roots and his ability to elevate classic French ingredients with elegance and subtlety.
Local Fish (e.g., Rouget de Pays - Red Mullet): Served with seasonal vegetables like parsnip and brocoletti and a flavorful jus, this ingredient demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to local seafood and refined, balanced preparations that respect the product’s natural taste.
These ingredients are central to the restaurant’s cuisine, which is described as colorful, imaginative, and deeply respectful of the original flavors of high-quality, local produce. The dishes combine traditional Mediterranean elements with creative touches, resulting in refined, elegant plates that highlight the terroir of the Var region.