The Art of the Picnic by Alain Ducasse

A TIMELESS LUNCH, BY ALAIN DUCASSE AT LA BASTIDE DE MOUSTIERS.
Launched in March 2012, this unique invitation of a bucolic yet sophisticated picnic was one that could only spike the curiosity of Kairos Travel. Read on and discover how you can experience this moment, designed by Alain Ducasse, in one of our Unique Provence tours.

In an idyllic setting such as Moustiers-Sainte- Marie, in the heart of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, how can one not dream of a lunch such as this? Imagine an entirely refurbished 1950 Chevrolet pick-up driving you from the Bastide de Moustiers to a secret spot, the ideal picnic hideaway. After a short drive in the sun-drenched countryside, you will find yourself in a valley, far from all the hustle and bustle,in a prairie overlooking the Margès . Protected from the scorching sun by a white oak tree, a splendid table awaits you! Discreetly, the chauffeur takes leave. You are left to enjoy this unique and intimate moment. No waiters on the premise, yet nothing is needed as everything has been set and anticipated for your arrival. Enjoy the very best of Mediterranean cuisine, take a nap on a blanket in the shade, cicadas and crickets singing to you, enjoy the company of your fellow diners and the serenity of the setting, as if time had stood still. Back to reality? At your discretion, be it at teatime or sunset, you will be escorted back in this superb vintage car, smelling of fine leather. A return to the Bastide de Moustiers, your head filled with sun kissed memories. A lunch pause, where time has stood still, a communion with nature.

THE CHEF
Christophe Martin's cuisine magnifies regional produce lending itself so well to an outdoor lunch. Old fashioned tomato salad, freshly picked from the Bastide’s own vegetable garden, drizzled with sweet fruity house olive oil, courgette and basil focaccia, soft pan bagna, bursting with colour and flavour, rabbit porchetta, creamy Banon cheese, crispy Provence fruit tartlets, bursting with sunshine. You are surrounded by a concentration of perfumes, colours. The menu evolves with the seasons, at the whim of the market, and the chef’s inspiration:
A picnic encompasses all the art of outdoor cuisine….
From the first amuse-bouche until the coffee is served, the chef elaborates an authentic fare, drawn from the Bastides own vegetable garden, and  local markets. 

THE PICK UP
A team of artists and craftsmen were brought together by the Bastide to give a quintessential cachet to this bucolic escape. Thus, the picnic table is a unique creation of Italian designer Stefania Di Petrillo, christened “A Tavola”. Crafted in solid aged chestnut, this ingenious “picnic chest” opens, unfolds and metamorphosises into an elegant table, including comfortable benches garnished with felt cushions. Set with hand crafted multi-coloured and enamelled tableware, – another Stefania Di Petrillo creation - our table beckons you to immediate enjoyment! Gérard Jourdan, body-worker in Menton, took two years to restore our pick-up to its former glory, using only the finest leather, creating the gem it is today!  

If you would like to experience this unique picnic or wish for more information contact Unique Provence , and we will get back to you as soon as possible.