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Situated at the top of rock-strewn hill, at the very gateway of the Gorge du Verdon, in the south of France not far from the area known as the French Riviera, sits a stone castle, complete with tower and battlements. It was built in the 11th Century by monks from the St. Victor's Abbey of Marseilles. Later it became one of the vast properties owned by the Comptes de Provence. And later still, abandoned and forgotten, it fell into disrepair.

Today, The Chateau de Trigance has been completely remodeled and is now one of the most elegant hotel/restaurants in Haute Provence (High Provence). Owned by the Thomas family, the atmosphere of the original castle has been skillfully restored as well, and there are 10 guest rooms decorated in the Epoque style, with four-poster beds, period furniture, stone walls and area rugs over the tiled floors. The rooms are set around a huge terrace at the very top of the castle battlements, which offers incredible views of the medieval village below the castle, as well as the surrounding countryside, with its neat rows of vineyards, forests, groves of Olive trees and the Mountain entrance of the Gorges du Verdon.

At the entryway to the restaurant, a lone life-size suit of armor stands guard. The restaurant is situated in the old armory - and one of the unique features of this two story room is the way the upper and lower rooms cross each other. Each a long, rectangular room with rough stone walls and a dry-stacked stone ceiling. The dining room features a curved ceiling made from the same stones and comfortable, heavy upholstered chairs and square tables. Due in part to the strategic lighting (which includes heavy metal candelabras, some natural light from the tiny rectangular windows and discreet indirect lights) and the way the tables are placed, the atmosphere is both intimate and rustic.

Begin your meal with a wide selection of apertifs, which, if the weather is good, can be served out on the terrace, with those amazing views of the Gorges du Verdon (known as the Little Grand Canyon), and the area. During the winter months, you'll enjoy the intimate lounge below the restaurant, with cozy overstuffed chairs and intimate little nooks. (The author recommends "Hippocras" a drink dating back to the Middle Ages, which is a dry wine flavored with special herbs, spices and honey - it fits the atmosophere of the castle!)

The Chateau de Trigance offers an a-la-carte menu, as well as different "seasonal" menus that feature the best fresh ingredients and regional favorites. (For example, during the summer months, you have your choice of the "Knight's Menu," the "Page's Menu," the "Troubadour's Menu" and the "Summer Specialtie's Menu." Considering the quality of the food and the sheer beauty of the presentation, the prices at this three star restaurant are quite reasonable. As is common in the best French Restaurants, the diner has several excellent choices in each menu. The wait staff at the Chateau de Trigance have all been professionally trained, and service is excellent - they seem to know what is wanted before the diner does - and they are quick to bring whatever is requested, but are willing to let one linger over each course, savoring each delicious bite.

To learn more about this area, see photos and videos, see the many different activities that are available and to discover why it made the list of "100 Best Restaurants in Provence" visit www.frenchrivieralife.com

Learn all about where to go and what to do in the French Riviera from an American who lives there! Discover the best places to eat, stay and shop. Why settle for an ordinary vacation, when you can create an extraordinary one? 100 Best Restaurants in Provence

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