Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers Sainte Marie and Ducasse...

Last week end we were lucky enough that some friends, who had booked for the special 20th Anniversary Week end at Bastide de Moustiers, were sick.
It is sad (they are feeling better now) but the good news is that we took their place....

Off we drove gently to Moustiers Sainte Marie from Saint Remy.
Expect 3 hours (not incl lunch stop) journey time when taking the nice road (St Remy to Cavaillon, Apt, Manosque, Valensone and Riez).
Or 2hrs 15mn if you take the motorway from Cavaillon to Aix and Manosque (less scenic of course).

We were blessed with the weather and I was constantly stopping to take pictures (Cherry trees in blossom are just amazing this time of year.

Cherry trees in blossom April 10th 2015 on D943 from Gordes to Sault

Since we had some fact checks to do in Sault (will do a separate post), we took the road to Sault.

Chateau Javon,  Private Property not open for visit

A Pigeon home

We arrived in Moustiers Saint Marie by 6pm and went straight to the hotel....

Arriving in Moustiers Sainte Marie

The Bastide de Moustiers is the best hotel in Moustiers. Located at the foot of the village, it's a peace haven.
- 5 hectares of land with Horses and poney, a vegetable and herbs garden for the kitchen, a Petanque fields, "Hamac" for a little nap, a gorgeous shop, an helicopter landing space and much more
- Room are located in the 17th Century bastide or in one of the little "Mazet" on the property

Staff couldnt be more friendly. Since the hotel only 13 rooms, all guests are known by their name and there is always someone arround to help you out and check your stay is going well...

The hotel Boutique

The Boulodrome.... (dont forget the Pastis to go with it..)

The fresh salad we had for dinner

Relaxation time..

We stayed in the Lavender room. Mid range type, price from 265 € to 320 €.
I found the room charming, maybe a bit cluttered to my taste with Lavender, books, glassware.
The bathroom was giving direct onto the room but that was fun.
The bed was out of this world. I wondered in the morning if I wouldnt steal the pillows but prevented myself.
Extremelly quite.
Highly recommended.

Bastide de Moustiers link

Then it was time for serious business....
Aperitif with the friendly GM of the hotel Jeremy who told us everything we had to know about the property.

And off to meet the chef and check the spotless kitchen for the anniversary dinner.

Since we couldnt make it for the Friday special dinner, in the Presence of Mr Ducasse himself (who we were told was so sad to miss us) the chef served us the very same dinner.
We enjoyed a degustation menu with 2 starters (fresh salad with wild aspargus then spealt wheat and artichokes), 2 main courses (cod and lamb), the goat cheese board, a Strawberry salad and soup and a chocolate mousse.
Each served of course with a glass of different wine.

Restaurant is opened to non resident.
Week day Lunch 2 courses formula at 38€ , 3 courses 48€
Dinner and Week end lunch menu at 80€

In the morning we partake the perfect breakfast in the garden

And in the late afternoon after our Lac Sainte Croix and Gorge du verdon day trip, we stopped by in the quaint village of Moustiers, Capital of the Faïence.

My recommendation would be to stay over night in Moustiers or nearby rather than organise the day as a day trip from and back to St Remy as driving can wears you out.....