To say that the hotel's owner, Chef Alain Ducasse, is a celebrity would be an understatement. After all, he is the only living person in the world to be studded with 21 Michelin Stars, with the only other person who had more being his friend Joël Robuchon, who passed away in 2018. It is then no surprise that when he fell deeply in love with the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie during his motorcycle tour of the region, the town was much more than happy to welcome his plans to build a restaurant. The building and grounds that would become La Bastide De Moustiers belonged to a master potter, whose quaint yet scenic estate from the 1700s was lined with lavender fields and olive trees and presently remains so.

When he bought the property in 1994, Chef Ducasse immediately got to work. He collaborated with the local crafters as well as his friend, the decorator-designer Tonia Peyrot. Together, they brought out the hotel's 18th-century beauty and enhanced it by making use of the chef's extensive collection of items from all over the world. Tonia would later work on another historic property, the boutique hotel La Bouscatière, also in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Design and Architecture

Retaining the traditional architecture found around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Bastide De Moustiers blends seamlessly with the rest of the commune. This preserves the rustic yet elegant beauty of this ancient village, counted among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France - The Most Beautiful Villages of France. That said, the owner, Alain Ducasse, is eager to share his beautiful collection with his guests and uses it to decorate parts of the hotel, most especially the restaurant's dining areas.

Salon Voyage en Asie is dressed with Oriental aesthetics, including Japanese lacquerware from the chef's collection. Salon des Arts décoratifs exhibits the craftsmanship of René Lalique and Jean Luce, renowned master sculptors of glass and ceramics. In contrast, Salon hommage à Moustiers-Sainte-Marie showcases the local treasures made by the craftsmen and artisans of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Salon des Gravures is much smaller and more intimate, decidedly designed for romantic dinners. Finally, the Winter Garden lets guests take in the breathtaking sights of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, fulfilling and nourishing all five senses.

As the owner of La Bastide De Moustiers, Chef Alain Ducasse is always on top of things, especially at his hotel's signature restaurant. Recognized for its Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star awards, the restaurant will take guests on incredible and delectable culinary journeys that bring out the best of Provence's incredible cuisine and locally grown delicacies. To make the dining experience even more special and immersive, he divided the restaurant into separate areas, each with its own theme and ambiance. The hotel also has its very own garden from which the restaurant gets its ingredients. From aubergines to peppers and even courgettes, each plant is meticulously cared for by Chef Ducasse and his teams.

But no dining experience is complete without a delectable wine to complement the meal. Manager and Sommelier Mathieu Bloyet, and celebrity Sommelier Gérard Margeon, work together to ensure the wine list of La Bastide De Moustiers is stocked with the best vintages.

Opening hours: Thursday - Monday: 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm (Lunch); 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm (Dinner)

Reservations: Bookings can be made via the hotel's website, or through the hotel's phone number.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

La Bastide De Moustiers may be out of the way of the big cities, but its secluded location,n surrounded by the natural beauty of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence makes the trip all the more worthwhile. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie itself is recognized among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France - The Most Beautiful Villages of France - and the abundance of breathtaking vistas and diverse geography means you'll have numerous adventures to try and wonders to discover. For starters, you should explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and marvel at its well-preserved medieval architecture as well as the limestone cliffs that tower over the town. Another item on your itinerary is to go on a boat ride and waterside picnic along Lake Sainte-Croix. For those who wish to immerse themselves in Mother Nature's embrace, the Verdon Natural Regional Park is right outside the commune, filled with canyons, forests, and rivers to explore and camp in.

Other Celebrations

Since you'll be visiting the magical commune of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you can make the trip extra special by commemorating a special day while you're there. La Bastide De Moustiers can assist you with a personalized private celebration, such as for birthdays or anniversaries. Make sure to get in touch with the management and staff so they can help you in making the small event go as planned.