The Domaine & Restaurant Toile Blanche in Saint-Paul-de-Vence combines contemporary art, Provençal elegance, and Mediterranean gastronomy by Chef Nicolas Leclair. A chic and friendly place where suites, gardens, exhibitions, and bistronomic cuisine come together.
Classified as a “Remarkable Site,” Saint-Paul-de-Vence embodies an artistic heritage with multiple expressions. Great masters such as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, Miró have contributed to making this perched village an iconic place in the history of 20th-century art. Today, this heritage continues at Toile Blanche, where the art of escape meets gastronomic pleasures! A domain awarded a Michelin key highlighting exceptional stays!
Recognized contemporary artists, the Leroy brothers have shaped their family estate like a palette of colors where each shade is an experience!
Toile Blanche offers 22 spacious suites combining contemporary sophistication and refined simplicity. Modern furniture, advanced technology, sleek decor in warm tones, original works signed by Leroy, private terrace with loungers… each luxurious suite is an invitation to comfort and relaxation! With Provençal architecture, the estate extends over two hectares of landscaped and flower-filled gardens, a vegetable garden, a modestly budding vineyard, contemporary art pieces, and authentic pools. The Leroy brothers instill a chic and relaxed, yet friendly atmosphere through artistic events, a pétanque court, a lively guinguette, and a bistronomic table.
The table of Chef Nicolas Leclair delights the taste buds of travelers and locals seeking escape! With a delightful background alongside starred chefs such as Jacques Chibois**, Michel Guérard*** and David Faure*, Nicolas, a faithful lover of the azure coast, reinvents a Mediterranean cuisine with Niçoise and Provençal flavors! His carefully crafted bistronomic menu reflects his journey and commitment to responsible cooking, offering homemade dishes with character. Among his creations, epicureans can savor: Niçoise stuffed vegetables, swordfish tataki with Cajun spices, shrimp pesto with tomato and basil, roasted duck breast with braised cabbage and morello cherry chutney, grilled catch of the day with seasonal vegetables and pesto…
But also sweet treats like pavlova with peach, nectarine, basil, olive oil rosemary ice cream, and coconut French toast with orange blossom ice cream…
The chef also offers market-inspired dishes for the discerning connoisseurs of Toile Blanche! A perfect delicacy!
What did I like?
- The quality of the products, a guarantee of fresh and demanding cuisine,
- The chef’s signature touch: a sauce, a seasoning, a condiment, or a “local” accompaniment that is subtle and flavorful: tapenade, eggplant caviar, rouille, Parmesan basil pesto, chickpea fries, sea fennel, orange blossom…
- The trio of noble fish in a revisited bouillabaisse with mastered cooking: John Dory, sea bream, and meagre,
- The generosity, sincerity, and gourmandise felt in each dish,
- The proposal of a creative menu at only 69 euros per person offering two starters, two main courses, and two desserts to delight all palates,
- The tableware beautifully selected by the Leroy brothers, the attentive and discreet service of Vincent Arhuro and his team—former maître d’hôtel of Château Saint-Martin—and the enchantment of the place.
An aside with Chef Nicolas Leclair
Nicolas, tell us about your arrival at Domaine de la Toile Blanche
Two years ago, upon my first visit, I had a real crush on the domain… this is where I was meant to be! A conviction confirmed during my first interview for the head chef position with the Leroy brothers… a passionate, caring, and honest family. I shared my ideas and ambitions with them, and they trusted me… today we form a beautiful team! I recruited and trained my team to open our two restaurants. The Guinguette, open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., where we offer cocktails, tapas, and Provençal cooked dishes to share (or not!) in a lively and festive atmosphere! And the Toile Blanche, open in the evening, offering bistronomic cuisine reflecting the richness of our region in a cozy atmosphere.
What do you wish to convey to gourmets through your cuisine?
At Toile Blanche, we savor homemade dishes seasonally. I prioritize local producers and masters of meat and fish who share our values and respect for products. Being from Nantes, I love Niçoise cuisine; a passion passed on to me by my former chefs. Through my cuisine, I want to (re)discover our sunlit southern cuisine… that each of my dishes is striking and memorable!
What are the plans for the Domaine?
After the summer season, we will organize events such as brunches, barbecues, themed days, and artistic exhibitions… the Domaine lends itself to this with its abundance of space! Also, our menu evolves with the seasons. And with autumn approaching, my favorite season, I can’t wait to create new dishes, new sauces, and share them!
Domaine Toile Blanche
Address: 826 Chemin de la Pounchounière, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Phone: 04 93 32 74 21.
