Seaside restaurants to try in August

Metropolitan France boasts over 5,000 kilometers of coastline. On these shores, many gastronomic treasures emerge. They can be found along the west coast, in the Mediterranean and around Corsica. Some of these places boast top-quality cuisine recognized by the Guide Jaune. Discover the five that get our taste buds beating every time.

In Collioure, La Balette

Located just a few kilometers south of Perpignan and within easy reach of Spain, chef Laurent Lemal is at the helm of La Balette (2 toques). In this restaurant overlooking the bay of Collioure, secrecy is the order of the day. Three menus to choose from for dinner: Certitude (105 euros), Inspiration (135 euros) and Confiance (160 euros). Names that reflect the chef's desire to surprise his guests. An added benefit? The Bocuse d'Or France 2015 restaurant is open on Sundays for lunch and dinner, so you can enjoy its cuisine all weekend long.

• Where to find us? Route de Port-Vendres, 66190 Collioure
• Read the Gault&Millau review of La Balette

In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Le Restaurant des Rois - La Réserve de Beaulieu

A century-old palace, La Réserve de Beaulieu and its luxurious decor are chef Julien Roucheteau's playground. The Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2019 is at the helm of the Restaurant des Rois (4 toques) alongside his pastry chef Benoît Jabouille, holder of the Trophée Pâtissier PACA Corse Monaco 2023 Gault&Millau. Together, they serve a cuisine d'auteur to be savored overlooking the sea. The à la carte "Signature" menu is available in 4 or 6 courses, at 195 and 255 euros, and includes dishes such as back of Bresse pigeon with almond from Provence, chartreuse of celtuce with confit thighs or theartichoke en barigoule drizzled with a purplish Mont Ventoux vinaigrette, accompanied by a tart ketchup of shallots and cherries, spiked with sorrel.

• Where? 5 Boulevard du Général Leclerc, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
• Read the Gault&Millau review of Le Restaurant des Rois - La Réserve de Beaulieu

In Marseille, Le Plongeon

The city of Marseille is home to Le Plongeon (1 toque), home of chef Victory Sauzay. Selected by the Guide Jaune as one of its "109" chefs, he offers accessible Mediterranean cuisine. Four different formulas stand out: for lunch, at 29 and 33 euros, and for dinner, at 43 and 49 euros. The perfect culinary experience at a reasonable price. The chef, who pays close attention to the provenance of his produce, favors short supply circuits. The menu adapts and changes daily.

• Where? 1 Rue Méry, 13002 Marseille
• Read the Gault&Millau review of Le Plongeon

In Perros-Guirec, Le Belouga, L'Agapa Hôtel Spa

A drastic change of climate, but still facing the sea. This is the restaurant Le Belouga (1 toque). Open 7 days a week, the establishment is located halfway between Morlaix and Saint-Brieuc on the Brittany coast. In the kitchen, chef Jean-Alexandre Ouratta offers a choice of two menus. On the one hand, gourmet menus in three versions: Puffin (70 euros), Pink Granite Coast (95 euros) and Tasting (140 euros). On the other, the chef offers guests a more convivial suggestion, available only at lunchtime, a seafood platter at 75 euros. The perfect opportunity to enjoy the sea, facing the sea.

• Where? 12 Rue des Bons Enfants, 22700 Perros-Guirec
• Read the Gault&Millau review of Le Belouga, L'Agapa Hôtel Spa

In Porto Vecchio, Casadelmar

To finish this journey along our coastline, here's one of the most beautiful hotels on the Isle of Beauty, Casadelmar (3 toques). In a pleasant, relaxing setting, chef Fabio Bragagnolo, accompanied by his pastry chef Claudio Pezzetti, make use of their origins to offer cuisine with an Italian accent. In addition to the à la carte menu, the man who won the Cuisine de la Mer, des Lacs et des Rivières 2024 Gault&Millau Trophy in the PACA-Corsica-Monaco region offers two menus: Découverte in four courses (220 euros) and Création et Passion in six courses (290 euros). The predominance is obviously marine, with line-caught bass in a charcoal crust, followed by Beluga caviar, triqueter garlic and razor clams, or lobster with fresh vegetables in a Catalan sauce.

• Where to eat Route de la Plage de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio
• Read the Gault&Millau review of Casadelmar