Southern Europe is celebrated for its weather, which produces much of the continent’s summertime fruits and vegetables.
Summer beckons us to slow down and enjoy its generosity, from the abundant sunshine to market stalls brimming with colourful produce. Now is the time to enjoy farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably outdoors! Lunch on the terrace, a picnic under shade trees, a leisurely dinner with family and friends that begins at twilight and continues for hours... Let us inspire you with some ideas for making the most of summer’s bounty and longer days.
Summertime is when we can tap into our primeval instincts by playing with fire and cooking out in the open. Kick off barbecue season by grilling choice cuts of beef, chicken or fish. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs keeps the meat moist and tender while adding bright notes.
If you've decided to eat more sustainably, then summer is the ideal time to start. Marinate thick slabs of aubergine and courgette, then grill them until the exterior is golden brown and the interior is cooked through. End the meal with a cheese board and a platter of grilled summer fruits. Charring transforms the sweetness of stone fruits, cantaloupes and even watermelons into something magical.
After a nature hike or a dip in the ocean or lake, there’s nothing better than a meal in the great outdoors. The best picnics are portable, but also simple and fresh.
Start by visiting the nearest farmers' market. Do the tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers look especially inviting? Make a batch of gazpacho and keep it cold in a thermos, or throw together a quick pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing. Another travel-friendly salad is the niçoise, made with bright green beans and fingerling potatoes. To complement the meal, pick up some hearty bread, dry-cured sausage and a bottle of local wine. And for dessert? Juicy sun-ripened fruits, of course!
When the weather grows cold again, relive warmer days by opening up a jar of summer. Southern Europeans have long preserved the season’s profusion of fresh yet fragile fruits at their peak. A speciality in this region is a blend called fruits rouges in French, frutos rojos in Spanish and frutti di bosco (forest fruits) in Italian. The usual recipe includes some combination of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, mulberries, red or black currants, cherries and lingonberries.
Another favourite in the Mediterranean is fig jam. Come late August, fill your bucket or market basket with this luscious summer fruit and put up some jars for winter. Its deep flavours pair wonderfully with soft cheeses and cured meats, making it the quintessential accompaniment for a charcuterie board or gourmet brunch.
Summer passes all too quickly. Make the most of it by preparing and savouring seasonal fruits and vegetables!
Hyères 83400 , France
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5, based on 4 reviews
Regional, Terrace
Located between the sea and a magnificent Mediterranean garden, Atelier Provence invites you to enjoy regional dishes in an authentic and convivial setting. You will love the Provencal cuisine and fantastic terrace, which add to the unique charm of our restaurant in Hyères.
Toulouse 31000 , France
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5, based on 407 reviews
Regional, Terrace
Enjoy freshly cooked fare prepared by our chef and his team every day of the week in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for a relaxing break dedicated to good food. Whatever time of day, whether you're in the restaurant or bar, conviviality, authenticity and quality are the ingredients of Barricot's winning cocktail.
Mandelieu La Napoule 6211 , France
Mediterranean, Terrace
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Le Blue Lemon is a chic restaurant and bar-lounge combining style with relaxation. From the comfort of soft velvet banquettes or on the terrace by the pool, you can taste gourmet dishes seasoned with Provençal herbs and Oriental spices in a creative fusion of flavours.
Charbonnieres Les Bains 69260 , France
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 138 reviews
French, Terrace
Set in Charbonnières-les-Bains, at the heart of Techlid technology park near Lyon, Cap Ouest is a leading light of local gastronomy. A passionate chef has been at the helm of this renowned restaurant for nearly 20 years, where he offers up delicious meat and fish dishes. It's an altogether idyllic set up.
Sorgues 84700 , France
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5, based on 1388 reviews
Regional, Terrace
With cosy spaces, antique decor, an open kitchen, a vast, glass-roofed dining room bathed in light, a long central bar and more, Confidentiel is aptly named. We invite you to our cosy cocoon on the outskirts of Avignon to enjoy a warm and intimate atmosphere and local gourmet food. The spacious and shaded garden terrace reflects the interior, promising memorable summer evenings. Will you be joining us?
Saint Trojan Les Bains 17370 , France
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5, based on 71 reviews
Bistronomy, Terrace
On Île d'Oléron, salt is king, even in Iøde's dishes. Settle onto our terrace by the sand or in our huge sun-filled dining room to savour Marennes Oléron oysters or local fish from La Cotinière as you look out over Gatseau beach, just a stone's throw from Saint-Trojan's pine forests.
Porticcio 20166 , France
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5, based on 29 reviews
Mediterranean, Terrace
La Carte Postale's decor is quite simply unique! From the dining room to the terrace facing the sea, we provide the ideal setting to enjoy a cocktail, lunch with friends, or a special dinner at sunset. Savour fresh Mediterranean flavours with a Corsican twist.
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(*) Average meal price calculated on the basis of starter and main course or main course and dessert, excluding drinks, menu and promotional offers. The average price is an estimate only, calculated according to the prices provided by the restaurant. Depending on the country, the average price may or may not include all taxes. ↩
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