La Bastide De Moustiers
A HOUSE OF THE HEART
” In 1994, while riding my motorcycle at random on the roads of Provence, I discovered a house standing amidst lavender and olive trees. I made it my anchoring harbour, my home, before deciding to open it to others. It has always had this very special place in my heart, and it still has today… “
Alain Ducasse
This September I was fortunate to be able to get away and take a much needed vacation. Jeff and I chose to travel to France. I had never been to the South of France, so we decided to start in Paris and then tour Provence. It was absolutely the best trip I have ever taken. And when we reached Moustiers-Saint-Marie, and checked in to La Bastide De Mousiers, I knew was in heaven.
This is a very special place conceived by the famous Alain Ducasse. He wanted to create a place that felt like a private home. And that is exactly how it felt. Warm, relaxed, private, like a home. A home with impeccable staff.
We stayed here for three nights and never wanted to leave. We explored the gardens. Smelled the lavender and olive trees. It was a place to relax and catch up with thoughts and dreams. For some reason I felt transported to my childhood. Or a time when lying in the grass and staring at the sky was considered constructive time management.
The restaurant was the best I have ever had the pleasure of dining in. Most of the food comes fresh from the garden or close by in the region. It was fun to stop by the kitchen and be welcomed in. They couldn’t have been warmer, encouraging a look at the menu. I was so blown away by the food, I literally got a little weepy at times. Fresh pumpkin soup with chestnuts. There was a corn chowder that I could have eaten everyday for the rest of my life….
I hope to return soon. We met a couple from New York that comes every year. And this was the second time this year. Lucky ducks!
For now I will just keep the memory fresh by sharing it with you and looking at photos from our time spent there.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Beautiful pictures – thanks for sharing.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Thank you Amber! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
October 17th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I’ve never been to Provence (only Paris), and you make me want to visit so badly! I just had dinner, and yet I’m getting hungry looking at your pictures and thinking about pumpkin with chestnuts…
That tiny suitcase on the table, by the way, is perfection.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Thanks Stephanie! If you ever have a chance to visit Provence, I highly recommend it. And if you do go, the tiny suitcase is actually a vanity case from my set of Globetrotter luggage from JCrew. I love it so much, it’s light as a feather and holds a ton of stuff!