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The Gastronomy of the Côte d’Azur: “High” and “Low”

 The fabled sunlight of the South of France infuses the history and lore of the region, drawing sunbathers to the area’s pristine beaches and famous impressionist painters to its shores. The same light, however, also infuses the “Cuisine du Soleil” for which the Côte d’Azur enjoys equal renown. “Light” and “fresh” are the bywords of the gastronomy of the south of France, a diet richly infused with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, fennel, sage, thyme, and other “herbs de Provence.”

 The chefs of the French Riviera tend to take their cues from traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The aroma of wood-fired ovens blends with the redolence of hot garlic fondues, deep fried courgette flowers, pan-bagnat sandwiches, chick pea crepes and la soca. Leisurely summer meals are paired with the fruity rosé wines of the Côtes de Provence to create a palette of brisk, natural flavors. Spring onions and salad niçoise, delicious paella, rotisserie chicken, good hearty cheeses, ripe fruits, and crusty breads all grace Provençal tables.

 Restaurants you will not want to miss include Château de la Chèvre d’Or in Cannes (two Michelin stars) with Chef Didier Elena, and Château d’Eza in Grasse (one Michelin star) with Chef Christophe L’Hospitalier. For an exceptional bouillabaisse or goat roasted in Provençal herbs, try Le Moulin de Mougins in Cannes (Chef Sebastian Chambru.)

 The Louis XV in the Hotel de Paris in Monaco is a three Michelin star establishment under Chef Frank Laffon. The Joël Rebuchon Monte-Carlo has been awarded two stars. One-star restaurants of note in Monaco include Manarine, Vistamar, the Bar et Boeuf, and the  Grill de l’Hôtel de Paris. In Nice, one-star favourites include La Réserve de Nice (Chef Olivier Samson), Le Chantecler (Chef Bruno Turbot), Keisuke Matsushima, and L’Univers (Chef Christian Plumail.)

 To really sample the authentic gastronomy of the Côte d’Azur, don’t neglect the peasant fare to be found in local farmer’s markets and small street shops. Most markets are held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on designated days. Check with the local tourism office to find reasonable day trips from your base. The markets are a perfect place to find the freshest fruits, good quality cheese, fresh breads, and of course, local wines. Expect pizza from a truck (with a wood burning stove in the back) and treat yourself to some gelato for dessert.

 True appreciation of the breadth of Côte d’Azur gastronomy, however, comes from dining in both “high” and “low” fashion. In even the finest restaurants, however, you will find the distinct influence of the Mediterranean, food that is as infused with fresh air and light as the surroundings in which it is served. Dining in the south of France, like the region itself, has a refreshing, open air quality with a heavy emphasis on fresh herbs, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits — in essence, a refreshing change for palettes too often jaded by paler cuisine.

Owning a luxury property in the South of France means that you can experience some of the best cuisine in the world. This most beautiful region of France is also home to some of the mot beautiful luxury villas and apartments for sale. Luxury property for sale in the South of France is at its most affordable level for many years and buying a luxury property on the Cote d’Azur makes sound investment sense.

The range of luxury property for sale in the South of France can be confusing and even once you have chosen your luxury villa or apartment finding quality craftsmen to refurbish your luxury property can be difficult.

At Ellisium Partners, one call gives you access to a la carte services for your luxury home in the South of France. From interior designers, to garden maintenance and from home security to home cinemas then Ellisium Partners have everything on tap.

Ellisium Luxury Property Partners – Everything for your Luxury property in the South of France…and more….