The story
At L'Aupiho in Maussane-les-Alpilles, Chef Lieven van Aken directs a kitchen where Provençal cooking meets Flemish heritage. The restaurant borrows its name from the Provençal term for "little Alps," signaling a focus on lifting local elements to new heights. Van Aken builds menus around the Domaine de Manville's enchanted vegetable garden, selecting the most flavorful produce to compose each plate. His approach blends these regional treasures with nods to his native Flanders, creating a style of cuisine that is both sensitive and sensible. Since receiving its Michelin star in 2018, the table has maintained a reputation for finesse, serving hot bread from the oven and treating delicate meats with careful attention.
Meals unfold around the property's lush garden, where outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the atmosphere of the Alpilles alongside their food. This connection to the land reinforces the philosophy that nature supplies the best materials, making the vegetable patch essential to every service. The Provençal kitchen keeps its rhythm tied to the seasons, drawing directly from the estate to ensure freshness and integrity. Dinner runs from Thursday through Monday, while Saturday lunches are offered only between October and April, providing seasonal windows to experience the full scope of the garden's bounty.
A dedicated pastry chef follows the savory courses, crafting desserts that offer a gourmet finale to the evening. These sweets create a moment of suspended indulgence, rounding out the meal with a distinct flair. L'Aupiho also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, earning four radishes from the We're Smart Green Guide for 2026. This recognition highlights how the Provençal kitchen balances gastronomic ambition with ecological awareness, ensuring that the pursuit of taste respects the surrounding landscape.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram