Restaurant Le Phare: a meal that turns above the Mediterranean
A water tower turned lighthouse
In the heart of Palavas-les-Flots, the seaside resort next to Montpellier, a tall white tower rises above the fishing harbour and the beach: the Phare de la Méditerranée. It is not a real lighthouse but the town's former water tower, built in the early 1940s and converted in the late 1990s. At the very top, a panoramic restaurant sits on a slowly rotating floor: without leaving your table, you watch the landscape go by, a rare installation in France.
From the sea to the lagoons
Behind the large bay windows, 42 metres up, the view is complete: the beach and the harbour jetties, the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see, the bird-filled lagoons, then Montpellier, Carnon and La Grande-Motte, with the Pic Saint-Loup in the distance on a clear day. A little lower down, on the 11th floor, the panoramic bar Le 180° welcomes guests during the day for a coffee or a drink facing the same scenery.
Fish, rouille and cocktails
The kitchen sails between land and sea with fresh produce: Palavas-style rouille with cuttlefish, prawn and scallop risotto, a fish parillada depending on availability or a fillet of turbot, as well as meats and a vegetarian dish. Most dishes cost between €27 and €42. At the bar, the cocktails, led by mojitos, are mostly priced between €11 and €14. A children's menu is available, and groups of at least thirty people have a dedicated set menu.
Practical information
The restaurant is open all year round, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2pm and from 7.30pm, and on Sunday at lunchtime until 2.30pm; it is closed on Sunday evening and Monday, but open on public holidays. The bar Le 180° is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am, until 6.30pm (4pm on Sunday). You reach the top by a panoramic lift: an access fee of €3 per person, collected by the town at the lighthouse ticket desk, is added to the bill. Booking by phone is recommended, especially in summer. Parking nearby.
An unusual place for lunch or dinner, turning above the sea, at the gates of Montpellier.
Restaurant Le Phare: frequently asked questions
Restaurant Le Phare: what is our editors' review?
Restaurant Le Phare is rated 4/5 by the BestOfRooftop editors.
Restaurant Le Phare: what is the address?
Restaurant Le Phare is located at the following address: 1 place de la Méditerranée Sommet du Phare de la Méditerranée : restaurant panoramique tournant à 42 m, bar Le 180° au 11e étage – Palavas-les-Flots, 34250 Montpellier.
Restaurant Le Phare: where can I see the menu?
Restaurant Le Phare publishes its menu online: See the menu
Restaurant Le Phare: how expensive is it?
On our scale, Restaurant Le Phare has a price level of 3 out of 5 (€€€).
Restaurant Le Phare: is there an entry fee?
Yes, an entry fee may apply at Restaurant Le Phare.
