Maussane-les-Alpilles, Les Baux 13520, tel.: 04 90 54 3307;
fax: 04 90 54 4046
When motoring through France this is one of the finest places to stop for dinner and an overnight stay. Our family have done this many times over the years en route to or from the Cote d'Azur. The setting is stunning as you come over the ridge and descend slowly into the valley of Les Baux. The Oustau is a 15th century farmhouse turned into a luxurious hotel with gardens, a swimming pool, and most importantly a two and a half star restaurant. The hotel was started by a Pans architect Raymond Thuilier, who became a top chef. I knew him well and enjoyed our meetings. He died a few years ago in his mid nineties and is succeeded by his grandson Jean-Andre Charial. After a dip in the pool, just in front ot the restaurant, sit down and enjoy his cooking with dishes such as langoustine roasted with pistachios and lemon, truffle ravioli with leeks, lamb en croute and for dessert, crepe souffle. There is a magnificent wine list but you can also choose reasonably priced Provencale wines.
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