La Colombe - The Dove
For the majority of our week in Bédoin, we enjoyed eating BBQ meals on the terrace of our accommodation at La Belle Histoire, with the exception of an occasional lunch eaten in the surrounding villages, as we explored the local area.
View from our table on the side terrace of La Colombe
However, we had decided to treat ourselves to a lunch at restaurant, La Colombe , which is on the route to Mont Ventoux. We had noticed this restaurant on several previous visits to Bédoin, including our 2015 trip when we stayed in the hamlet of Sainte-Colombe. Two months prior to our holiday, we chose to make an online booking as we noticed that there are limited days and hours of operation. Chef Christophe Schuffenecker, who has previously been awarded two Michelin stars for his work elsewhere, likes to use local produce in his menus.
View from our table on the side terrace of La Colombe
La Colombe translates to the dove in English. We have seen many examples of la colombier (the dove house or dovecot) throughout France. Often a freestanding tower or may be built at the end of the house or barn, these structures offered a place for pigeons to nest. Pigeons were used as a food source and their droppings used as fertiliser.
The terrace is beautiful and nicely shaded from the hot weather
After our full morning cycling to the Gorges de la Nesque, we cleaned up and drove the short distance to the restaurant. We were one of only two tables for lunch that Thursday. The terrace offered views of the hamlet of Sainte-Colombe and the surrounding vineyards.
Cocktail - gin and tonic with melon
We began our experience with a G&T cocktail with melon, which came with an amuse-bouche, gazpacho, focaccia, olives and cheese puffs.
C’est moi enjoying our cocktail and amuse-bouche
We chose the 5 course Menu L’ascension du Mont Ventoux at 72 euros per person and opted for the paired wines (4 glasses) for an additional 44 euros per person. We thought that the experience was well worth the price.
The Congress - Biscuit, spelt tile, herb emulsion
The Trout of Isle sur la Sorgue - Low temperature cooking, roasted stock, winter vegetables.
My wine connoisseur
The Dovecote Pigeon - Sand carrot, geranium
Each course appears small but was a very filling meal
Dessert – biscuit, Strawberry sorbet, strawberries
Following dessert, there was the necessary cheese course. Goat cheese from a local supplier. We enjoyed it so much that we forgot to take any photos! We finished with an espresso coffee.
Espresso - with madeleines and another little treat
C’est moi outside restaurant La Colombe
View to the summit of Mont Ventoux from the front of La Colombe restaurant.
Back to our accommodation and it was time to relax by the poolside after a very full day of cycling and eating. Please join me next time for our last day in Provence. I’ll take you in search of lavender. À bientôt!
Chris relaxing after a full day enjoying his favourite area of France
