When one of the world’s most famous chefs falls in love with one of France’s most picturesque villages, the result can only be La Bastide de Moustiers. After chancing upon Moustiers-Ste-Marie, Alain Ducasse promptly bought a secluded seven-room home, which he later turned into an inn and Michelin-starred restaurant. Complete with charming rooms, an idyllic garden, a shady terrace, and a serene pool area, the inn is more than worthy of an overnight, but guests really come here for the restaurant. The three- and four-course menus change depending on what’s fresh in La Bastide’s vegetable garden, but often include such delicacies as tomato sorbet, stuffed zucchini flowers, and seasonal ratatouille. Whether you sit in front of the majestic walnut fireplace in Le Salon Voyage en Asie, or amid local pottery in Le Salon des Arts Décoratifs, you’re in for a magical meal. The restaurant also features a room for private groups and a salon with a single table for couples, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

La Bastide de Moustiers is Alain Ducasse’s first country hotel nestled at the entrance of the Gorges du Verdon in Provence, France. Strolling in the park, plunging in the swimming-pool, lazing in a hammock, tasting the vegetables from the garden are simple pleasure of life making this Inn a place where time seems to stop.n 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. La Bastide de Moustiers is a house full of charm situated at the heart of the Alpes de Haute Provence region. Former property of an earthenware master, it offers a splendid view on Moustiers-Sainte-Marie “cliff”. The main building was restored by local artisans. Alain Ducasse asked designer friend Tonia Peyrot to give the building the special feel that makes it so endearing. Alain Ducasse wanted his inn to be warm and welcoming, and each one of his guest to feel at home. Filled with a sincere will to please and to share his passion for the terroir , the local land, he personally dedicated himself to its fitting and thought about small details that give a family house its charm : antiques he went himself looking for, picnic baskets to go for a stroll, bicycles to discover the region. a 17th-century stone house in a field of lavender dotted with olive trees.