A heavenly journey to three three-star restaurants in different regions of France. Each has its own history and gastronomic traditions brought to dizzying heights by these chefs. Located in rural areas, they are rooted in tradition with a healthy dose of creativity.
Lovers of French gastronomy and local cuisine will discover the richness of regional products and be delighted by the variety on offer.
The decor is ideal, and the rooms have a warm, family atmosphere. At the end of this gourmet tour, you can choose to return to Paris, explore the French Alps, or head to the south of France!
Day 1: The start of your journey Lyon – Ouches
The gastronomic journey begins in the Loire department, in the Roannais region, with Maison Troisgros. Depart by train from Paris and arrive in Lyon, where a helicopter will be waiting to take you on this adventure… It is in the Roannais region of the Loire department that you will find the legendary Maison Troisgros.
In a green setting, next to a Roannais vineyard, discover a cuisine with an amazing history, spanning 50 years, during which time it has been awarded three Michelin stars. From the grandparents to the current owners, Jean and Pierre, who have brought a touch of modernity and a new cuisine.
In time, their signature dish will be passed on to Michel, the third generation, who currently works at another location.
There is also César, the fourth generation, who is already working with his father to take over the reins.
• Accommodation at Troisgros
Dinner at Troisgros
The cuisine blends in with the surrounding nature. For example, the dining room is designed around a hundred-year-old oak tree and is located between grassy fields and bushes. During the day, the rural landscapes surround you, and in the evening, the lights warm up the space, where the soberly decorated tables herald authentic cuisine.
From generation to generation, Troisgros dishes have always retained the same consistency, simplicity, and flavors, without being opposed to reinvention. César and his brother Leo are the fourth generation and are looking for new sources of inspiration.
Spices are added to the acidity: Hispanic influences and Italian influences lead to amazing fusion dishes. And to end your dinner in style, don’t hesitate to visit the kitchens. They are huge, with large windows overlooking the natural landscape… it’s a world unto itself.
The unexplored region of the Loire
Castles, churches, historic villages, green landscapes, and local cuisine, the Loire and Roannais are still little-known regions, but with beautiful sites to discover.
Nature is such that it hosts numerous hiking, horseback riding, and cycling trails along trout streams or lakes. On the golden slopes, you can admire the magnificent sunny panoramas or even walk along the canal from Roanne to Digoin. In Roanne, don’t miss the Abbey of Charlieu (10th century) and Bénisson Dieu (12th century).
Day 2: To Annecy and its lake
Take a helicopter ride to the second iconic gourmet destination, Annecy, in the Alps. Your gastronomic journey continues. Here you will visit Clos des Sens, a new 3-Michelin-star restaurant, awarded in 2019.
Chef Laurent Petit, who likes to describe himself as a “chef-gardener,” creates dishes using exclusively local ingredients. “Petit takes out his regional map, grabs a compass, and draws a 100 km radius around Clos des Sens in Annecy-le-Vieux, and that’s his territory.” Enough said!
• Accommodation at Clos des Sens
The lakeside residence and Laurent Petit’s vegetable creations
With 100% local dishes and produce harvested or grown less than a day’s walk away, Laurent Petit amazes the senses with authentic dishes that have character. Lakes Annecy, Geneva, and Le Bourget set the tone for the dishes that come from around them.
And to stay true to his beliefs, Laurent Petit has created a wonderful 1,500 m² permaculture garden with 200 varieties of vegetables.
These species are lovingly tended, and the seasons shape his cooking throughout the year. The restaurant’s style is contemporary and warm, combining mountain wood, quartz, and crystal, making Clos des Sens one of France’s most splendid dining experiences. Here, the emotion is not manufactured but authentic, with the cuisine providing the heart and soul. It’s hard for any foodie to resist.
Between lakes and mountains
At the crossroads of three jewels, Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and Lake Geneva, Clos des Sens has a spectacular location.
You can go boating, hiking, or, for the more athletic, swimming is an excellent activity in the breathtaking landscape of the transparent lake and snow-capped peaks of the Alps. To discover more, go on a mountain hike to get in touch with unspoiled nature.
And for a panoramic view of Annecy, take a stroll through the streets of Annecy-le-Vieux, a village steeped in history that often enjoys the Savoyard sunshine.
Day 3: Last stop in the heart of the Alps
For this last stop, head to the Alps, to the charming village of Saint Martin de Belleville. Discover the gastronomic world of the Meilleur family.
Success runs in the Meilleurs family’s blood. Father and son as chefs, wives welcoming guests, supported by a large team of French gastronomy lovers, all contribute to making this a great adventure.
• Accommodation at La Bouitte 3* Relais & Châteaux
Your dinner at La Bouitte
Maxime and René, together with their team, showcase products and dishes from Savoie.
They carefully select local producers and refine traditional recipes to make them the best they can be. Don’t miss the cheese trolley and the remarkable desserts from Anthony’s pastry shop. We are also delighted to suggest the chef’s table, the hidden room of the kitchen! This small private lounge offers a beautiful view of the valley, and your meal will be set to the rhythm of the kitchen.
In the wilderness: Take a breath of fresh air in Saint Martin de Belleville!
Explore the Alps on foot or by bike and follow the trails with magnificent views of lakes and mountains. This last stop offers a complete change of scenery in breathtaking nature.
Day 4: The end of your gastronomic tour
This delightful gourmet tour of the fantastic Alps ends here. Give yourself a few more days to explore or take a trip to the sunny south… whatever you choose, your need for unique experiences will be satisfied.
