Provence Picnic by the Michelin-Starred Chef of Alain Ducasse’s Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de la Celle

What’s better than a picnic in Provence? Readers, take note: Chef Nicolas Pierantoni is preparing gourmet picnic hampers for guests this summer at the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de la Celle in Provence.

©Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de la Celle

One of Alain Ducasses’s idyllic Provençal inns, the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle is situated in vineyards adjoining a 12th century Benedictine abbey. Head chef Nicolas Pierantoni takes charge of the kitchen of the award-winning restaurant; most of the vegetables and herbs are sourced from the inn’s very own garden.

©Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de la Celle

Based on the best of what the kitchen garden and the local producers have to offer (according to the season), dishes might include:

• Green asparagus vinaigrette
• Tomato salad from the garden
• Melon and ‘Culatello’ from Spigaroli brothers
• Little stuffed vegetables (tomato, courgette, onion…)
• Regional cheeses and home-made jams
• Clafoutis with seasonal fruits (apricot, cherry…)

Picnic baskets are €50 (approx. £44) per person (including water). For 2 to 8 people, they must be reserved according to availability. A deposit will be taken for the basket. Available from May to September. Double rooms available from €310 (approx. £268) per night based on two sharing.

For more information call +33 (0)4 9805 1414 or visit www.abbaye-celle.com/en

©Hostellerie de L’Abbaye de la Celle