All great weekends away need a crowning moment — an activity that forms the heart of the trip. It could be an exhibition, a hike, or a night at the opera. But why not put your taste buds first? Europe is full of iconic restaurants, with menus bursting with creativity — places to save up for and plan a short trip around. So from Massimo Bottura’s Modena tavern to Raymond Blanc’s Oxfordshire mansion, here’s our pick of the best.
La Bastide de Moustiers
Best known for haute cuisine at his Michelinstarred restaurants in Monte Carlo and London, Alain Ducasse showcases a different side to his culinary repertoire at La Bastide de Moustiers. Surrounded by fragrant Provençal herbs and flowers, with olive trees providing shade, this was Ducasse’s home before it became a restaurant with rooms. While the atmosphere is homely, the menu of hearty French dishes prepared by chef Adrien De Crignis, such as local venison with vegetables from the garden, is more than worthy of its Michelin star. In the morning, baskets overflow with perfectly flaky, butter y croissants. Five-course menu: €95 (£84). bastide-moustiers.com
WHERE ELSE TO EAT: Moustiers is in a rural area, so dining options are limited, but the main village — roughly a 20 -minute walk away along hilly country lanes — has a clutch of restaurants catering mainly to tourists visiting the Verdon Gorge. Of these, La Part des Anges Moustiers, with enviable views downhill, and La Grignotière, in the heart of the village, both serve Provençal favourites in casual surroundings.
IN THE AREA: Tourists have long made pilgrimages to Moustiers to admire the large gold star that hangs on a 443ft chain between the two cliffs that bookend the village. Local legend says it dates back to the Crusades, although the iteration we see today is 50 years old. The headliner, however, is Verdon Gorge, where active travellers come to hike, climb and raft. For those with a head for heights, paragliding and bungee jumping are also popular. QX
HOW TO DO IT: Eurostar connects London St Pancras with Paris, from where you can catch a train onwards to Marseille. Ryanair, Vueling and British Airways fly from the UK to Marseille, around 90 minutes’ drive from Moustiers. La Bastide’s doubles start at €225 (£198), room only.
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