Picnic in a Pick-Up Truck: Provence by Alain Ducasse

Owned by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, La Bastide de Moustiers is a country inn nestled in the Provençal countryside. This is Provence at its bucolic best: a garden full of lavender, a gourmet restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, charming guest rooms, and a pool overlooking the olive groves and cypress trees. Recently, the inn announced a special new summer offer from Alain Ducasse (pictured at right). The inn's head chef Christophe Martin will prepare a gourmet picnic to be enjoyed in a secret spot in the surrounding countryside.

Think old fashioned tomato salad, freshly picked from the Bastide’s own vegetable garden, drizzled with house olive oil; zucchini and basil focaccia; soft pan bagna; rabbit porchetta; creamy Banon cheese; Provence fruit tartlets—all packed up in a basket. A 1950 Chevrolet pick-up truck will take up to six guests to the picnic spot, where a linen-draped table is set up under a white oak.

Mineral waters and hot drinks are included in the menu; the sommelier can help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your al fresco meal for an additional price. The chauffeur will return whenever you like to drive you back to the inn after your afternoon outing. This picnic is priced at 190€ for 2-6 guests.

La Bastide de Moustiers is located near the world-famous Gorges du Verdon in Provence. For more information, visit www.bastide-moustiers.com.