Flowers and crystals cascade down overhead, the fragrance of the blooms fill the air, lush trees create intimate dining rooms, eclectic linens and dishes charm the tables, French musicians roam the warren with their rich voices and familiar melodies, the promise of traditional, delectable Provençal cuisine tempts the appetite. When Zeenat Arsiwalla asked me to share an experience from the South of France with her readers, the incomparable Mas Provençal restaurant in Eze Village came to mind, especially since the tag line for Zeenat’s great design and style blog is to “allow space for something wonderful to happen” and now I want to share the experience with you… if you have space for something wonderful to happen?
Mas Provençal is uniquely designed to delight diners on many different levels each evening, every one of your senses are triggered beginning the minute you walk in the door. Each time I pass by the ivy covered exterior and make my way through the small doorway I am taken aback in absolute awe of the floral wonderland that greets me. The ceiling is literally dripping with lilies,
amaryllis, crystals and grapes,
mosses, hydrangeas and strands of cherry tomatoes.
These items hang from the vine entangled trees that fill the space, many with moss covered branches.
Perched on the branches are eclectic birdcages, ceramics and other lusciously quirky items.
A secluded green house with a waterfall provides another level of mystery, verdant beauty and ancient architecture.
Nymph like sculptures seem to frolic in the meadows of moss, orchids and other flowers.
As you wander through this curious, colorful rabbit warren in search of your table the music plays {click on the arrow below to enjoy a more complete experience with a soulful rendition of Quien Sera by the house musicians}.
The intimate dining tables are each nestled within this lush flower~filled landscape.
Each “dining room” makes you feel like you’re actually visiting some fabulously eccentric aunty
with it’s own distinctive furnishings
and eclectic settings of china, silver and linens.
The menu, which rarely changes, is the best of traditional Provençal cuisine.
The meal begins with tiers of local treats to amuse the palette and large baskets of whole vegetables served with an anchovy paste that is typical of the region.
Then it’s your choice of mushroom risotto with ham or scallops served from this parmigiano shell, milk~fed pig, veal, rack of lamb, grilled steak, garlic prawns or the exquisite sole meuniere.
By the time dessert is served a great deal of singing, laughing and sipping has occurred in this elegant forest
and most people are in the mood to linger a little longer and sing and dance with other diners and merry makers
or just amongst themselves as this festive group did the last time I was there. Click on the arrow to enjoy their spirit, more of the scenery and a brief cameo by Heinz, the owner and creative genius who pours all of his passion into making this special experience occur on a nightly basis during the season.
Then before you know it, the evening is over. But I always have to take one last glance back
and think to myself…
Thanks for sharing something wonderful with me.

It’s magical. It reminds me of a restaurant in Carcassonne, le Clos des Framboisiers, which also has a beautiful garden with little private corners.
All I can think, with all those hanging decorations, is how do they keep it clean? Just the thought makes me tired.
I’m adding Le Clos des FRamboisiers to my list, merci ToF! Maintaining it is truly a labor of love for Heinz, the owner. He is up at 5 to go to the flower market several days a week, then carefully removing anything past it’s prime and replacing it. He is always working on it, adding new treasures, Sadly, he once confided in me, in essence “it never looks as good as I’d like it too”. The good news is he only operates during “the season” so he has time to refresh over the late fall and winter months.