If you are planning your summer holiday and are looking for inspiration on where to go in Europe, you’re in for a treat. Discard the barbecues and traditional cuisines as Belvicci composed an edible seven day road trip straight through the South of France. Seven days and 10 Michelin stars combined in beautiful scenes, breathtaking views and mouthwatering, tantalizing dishes put together by 7 star chefs. As you read this article you will find this gastronomic tour beckons you to indulge the bon vivant deep within you.
Day 1: Avignon
Avignon, centre of art and culture, is an excellent starting point for this seven day venture. As you make your way to the exit of the airport, to pick up your rental, try to relax and unwind from the flight. Put the roof of your convertible down an take a half an hour drive to the hotel La Mirande in the very heart of Avignon. Then alow the relaxing Provençal atmosphere of Avignon to entice you outside. Your luxurious hotel is very close to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic structures in Europe. The Musee du Petit Palais and Pont Saint-Benezet are less than 10 minutes away.
After a two minute walk from the hotel, you will find Restaurant Christian Etienne, perched on a rock up a long flight of steps, in a lovely, slightly crumbling 12th century stone house adjoining the Palais des Papes.
Day 2: Cadet – Lourmarin
Take the one hour drive to your next hotel Le moulin de Lourmarin in one of the most beautiful villages of France. This former 18th century oil mill, located just a few metres from Lourmarin Château, provides an enchanting setting, surrounded by lime trees. Taking a stroll down the streets with it’s art galleries and shops is an absolute delight.
Tonight’s Michelin star dinner is concocted by chef Reine Sammut and her daughter Nadia Sammut. Together they started a culinary revolution by evolving from a traditional French menu to a completely gluten free French Provençal innovative style in their restaurant l’Auberge de la Fenière.
Day 3: Gordes – Rousillon
Today we take a long drive through the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon to Gordes. The main sights of Gordes are the village itself, the castle, the Saint-Firmain Palace cellars, the Sénanque Abbey and the Village des Bories. The village of Roussillon is also one of the most beautiful villages of France and definitely worth a visit.
After a busy day we make camp at hotel La bastide de Gordes & Spa. The hotel is set atop a rocky outcrop at the heart of the Luberon in Provence. Here time stands still while you take in exceptional views over the Luberon mountain range. In the evening you can enjoy a quiet dinner in the hotel’s restaurant Pèir of renowned michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire. This restaurant embodies French Top Innovative cuisine!
Day 4: Gorges du Verdon – Lac de Sainte
The Gorges de Verdon is France’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon, with a 700m drop to the river floor, this is an excellent day trip. Set amongst beautiful Provence countryside, the Gorge du Verdon is by far the highlight of our gastronomic tour. If you arrive there right before noon you are one of the select group of tourists to have the Gorges all to yourself.
After a day of sunbathing you take the drive up to the hotel La bastide de Moustiers, a house full of charm situated at the heart of the Alpes de Haute Provence region. In restaurant la Bastide de Moustiers, the menu changes every day according to the vegetable garden and to the market of the day. The restaurant is Alain Ducasse’s romantic hillside hideaway.
Day 5: La Ciotat
Our culinary road trip has almost come to an end. However, when you think of the South of France, beautiful beaches come squarely into the mind. The South of France has some of the best beaches in Europe. If you follow the Route Des Crêtes up to La Ciotat, you will find yourself on one of those paradisiacal roads that are to good to be true!
Today we up our game by dining in the two michelin star restaurant La villa Madie. In this gourmet restaurant Chef Dimitri Droisneau offers authentic, exceptional cuisine in an exceptional setting completely facing the waves.
To further enjoy this unique Mediterranean elegant setting, you’ll spend the night in hotel Les roches Blanches.
Day 6: Les Calanques – Marseille
On day six our journey reaches it’s climax by an idillic road trip along the coastline. The stretch of the Mediterranean coastline between Marseille and Cassis, has quite a few beaches, but the cove near Cassis called Les Calanques offers perhaps the most dramatic beach you will find in the South of France. With crystal clear water and the dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, the Calanques is a spectacular location. And as if this magnificent day out isn’t enough, you spend your last night in hotel Intercontinental Marseille an exclusive grand hotel in Marseille, perched on a hill overlooking the marina.
Gérald Passédat is the creator of tonight’s enchantement in his world renowned three Michelin star restaurant Le petit Nice.
Day 7: back to Avignon
Unfortunately our gastronomic road trip has come to an end.
However… this is a journey of surprise and even after seven days the culinary creations continue to dazzle.
You will spend your last evening in France in restaurant Le Vivier.