with smells of sweet apricot, salted caramel and Nutella
wafting in the air.
Next spot on the tourist hit list was Carrières de
Lumières. This unique multimedia art show in the old
quarry projects images of famous Renaissance art onto
walls and pillars carved out of the mountain. There’s
nothing quite like seeing the master works of Leonardo
da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphaël towering high on
slabs of rock.
Having worked up an appetite sightseeing, I
ventured downhill, along the steep streets to L’Oustau
de Baumanière, a 5-star luxury hotel located at the foot
of the village of Les Baux-de-Provence. The goal?
Lunch. Although what I ended up experiencing was
more of a life changing gastronomic experience.
Nestled in a valley among jagged rocks and
Cypress trees as tall as Corinthian columns, L’Oustau
de Baumanière is a hotel with some 30 suites, a spa and
a two-Michelin-star fine dining restaurant known for
serving up some of the best food in the region. Family
owned for the past 70 years, L’Oustau de Baumanière
has seen some very famous guests over the years, from
the likes of Queen Elizabeth, to Bono, Hugh Grant and
Johnny Depp. But on this particular day, it was just
little ‘ol me. Tummy grumbling on the hunt for tasty
treats, I’d found myself at the historic Baumanière not
knowing what to expect.
My menu favorites included: the Mediterranean red
mullet with sundried tomato confit, fresh farmhouse goat
cheese, fish jus scented with savory; the “Chair de Dormeur,”
a King crab dish with raw beef, sheep farmhouse yogurt
Les Baux-De-Provence
Set against a backdrop of the Alpilles mountain range,
the medieval town of Les Baux-de-Provence has a rich
history dating back some 11 centuries.
Strolling through the maze like cobble stone streets
of this fortified city, visitors will find outstanding relics
of medieval and Renaissance architecture. One key
historic spot to visit is Château des Baux, a cliff top
castle teetering on a limestone outcrop. Joining a
guided tour of the site gives you a glimpse into
medieval life, everything from the era’s social hierarchy
to the weapons and defense structures. At Château des
Baux, you can walk among crumbling towers, climb
ruins, descend into dungeons and wield plastic swords
found in the gift shop. Beyond the history lesson, this
spot also guarantees sweeping panorama views over the
vineyards and olive trees of the southern plains.
At every turn, the rocky vertical village of Les
Baux-de-Provence oozes charm. Steps are lined with
terracotta pots and bright red flowers; fragrant
bouquets of freshly cut lavender decorate window sills;
local nougat vendors sell their artisanal treats alfresco
LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
OBP
TOP RIGHT
Located on a rocky
plateau in the heart of
the Alpilles, Les Baux-
de-Provence has been
patiently restored and
now boasts a historical
and architecture
heritage consisting of
22 listed buildings.
Off The Beaten Path
|
WINTER / SPRING 2016
139
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