Le Relais des Moines

The story

Le Relais des Moines, Draguignan – Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine in Provence

Chef Sébastien Sanjou

Sébastien Sanjou grew up in Bigorre, Southwest France, surrounded by a family that has worked in food for five generations. His father passed down the craft, and Sanjou now carries that flame at Le Relais des Moines, a house he first walked into in February 2002. “I had the humble ambition to bring my stone to this edifice that had crossed the centuries,” he writes. Over time, with his team, he shaped the restaurant into what it is today: a place where refinement, conviviality, and generosity coexist.

A Terrace in Provence

The restaurant sits in the Var hinterland, between ancient oaks and pines. From the terrace, guests look out over the medieval village of Les Arcs and the Massif des Maures, with cicadas singing in the background. The dining room itself is calm and elegant, offering a true escape.

Modern Cuisine from the Mediterranean Terroir

Sanjou describes his cooking as contemporary, respectful of its terroir and the people who work the land. The Mediterranean surroundings are his daily inspiration. His team searches for the best products, building a cuisine that is both rooted and modern.

This approach earned Le Relais des Moines a Michelin star for high-quality cooking, recognition that honours the chef’s meticulous, ingredient-driven work. Sanjou’s plates are not about flash; they are about letting the product speak, with a clear, refined gesture.

The wine list is thoughtful, and the restaurant offers several ways to experience the food: lunch, dinner, a chef’s table, and private events. Whether indoors or on that shaded terrace, the experience is one of quiet, generous attention.