Two gastronomic gems in a Provence setting, near Fontvieille
Fontvieille is a small town in the Bouches-du-Rhône in the PACA region, not far from Arles, with a typically Provencal style. In the heart of the rocky Alpilles, this small part of Provence is renowned for its agricultural appeal and has a very good tourist reputation. Full of history, this small village was the place where Alphonse Daudet wrote “Letters from my Mill” and has become a Provencal emblem. There are small houses made of old stones, identical to those used for the Arenas of Arles and Nîmes. It is also possible to stroll through the narrow streets of the village, as well as to take walking paths in order to realize all the beauties of the Alpilles’ landscapes.
For the more athletic, you will discover superb walking circuits. For the most gourmets, you can discover less than 15 minutes from Fontvieille, two gems of gastronomy, at the Domaine de Baumanière.
The Oustau de Baumanière restaurant, awarded three Michelin stars
In the heart of the rocks of Les Baux de Provence, lies the Domaine de Baumanière, a five-star Relais & Châteaux establishment, home to one of the best restaurants in the region, L‘Oustau de Baumanière. A true institution since its opening in 1945 by Raymond Thuilier, placing it at the forefront of the most beautiful restaurants in France, this prestige has been able to endure, thanks in particular to his grandson, Jean André Charial, the current owner of the Domaine, located a few steps from Fontvieille. With the arrival in 2015 of Glenn Viel, the current Executive Chef, the restaurant has been able to combine modernity and tradition and thus offers a true culinary journey. It is under his supervision, in 2020, that the restaurant obtains its third star in the Michelin Guide, a true consecration in the world of cooking, but also awarded a green macaron, for its respect of sustainable development and its concern for ecology.
To delight your taste buds, you will find a menu that evolves with the seasons, composed of local products, inspired by Provence with a slight Breton note, the Chef’s source of inspiration. Each ingredient is meticulously selected for quality and even comes directly from the Domaine. Experience a sensory journey with the “Ballade” menu, or the emblematic menu of the Oustau de Baumanière, totally vegetarian, the “1987 Vegetable Menu”. Both are created by Glenn Viel in collaboration with Pastry Chef Brandon Dehan, who recently opened a Chocolate Factory at the Domaine. Depending on the season, you can enjoy your lunch or dinner inside the legendary property, in a cozy and elegant atmosphere, or on the quiet terrace in the shade of the plane trees. To accompany your dishes, discover an exceptional cellar, one of the largest private cellars in France, with its 50,000 references. You will be able to benefit from the advice of our Head Sommelier of the restaurant. Beyond offering an unforgettable culinary moment, the Oustau de Baumanière transports you to a moment of Provencal perfection, to discover the flavors that surround you, in the heart of Provence and near Fontvieille.
The restaurant La Cabro d’Or, a gastronomic moment near Fontvieille
It is still within the domain of Baumanière that you will be able to discover in a warm and friendly setting, the restaurant “La Cabro d’Or”, proposing you an authentic and elegant Provençal-inspired cuisine, supervised by the Chef Michel Hulin.
Perfect for a family or romantic meal, you will taste dishes combining subtlety and simplicity, all in a friendly moment, typical of the South and the surroundings of Fontvieille. Always in this dynamic to pay tribute to local producers and to be part of an eco-responsible approach, the “Menu Gourmandise” of the Chef offers you dishes inspired by the nature that surrounds you, honest and frank flavors. Most of the ingredients come from the estate’s vegetable garden and the others come from regional producers, always working with respect for the product. It is above all the balance that characterizes the cuisine of the Cabro d’Or. You will find a service with the small care, allowing you to live a unique experience and to feel transported in this universe full of sun and savours.
An important attention is also given to the interior decoration of the restaurant, with the choice of colors in shades of gray and blue, you will feel attracted by this intimate and elegant atmosphere, to create a real cocoon of softness. At the end of your meal, you will be able to walk around the domain, to meet the small emblematic goats of this establishment and thus benefit from an idyllic framework.
