At the end of June, our duo, Timothée and Romain, visited La Bouitte, a timeless, authentic chalet in the Belleville valley, France. A journey out of time, a family atmosphere, getting back to your roots, rediscovering your childhood home…these are just a few words to sum up this experience.
As soon as you arrive, you are greeted with a warm welcome, big smiles and the feeling of being carried by the hand to your destination: La table de René et Maxime Meilleur. More than a gastronomic restaurant, it is a declaration of love for the Savoie region, from a father-son duo honoring the local terroir and the culinary experience.
With dishes that create emotion, the trout, Ikejime, it is the fish dish that has left the strongest impression on them among all the great tables where they have been lucky enough to sit. As René says so well, “Cuisine is the art of transforming the simplest ingredients into exceptional moments”.
They were also particularly touched by the discussion with Chef Maxime after dinner, by the enthusiasm and professionalism of a team, a family, eager to regain titles of nobility withdrawn, but yet so well deserved.
To stay at La Bouitte is like returning to childhood. Eight mountain-style rooms and seven suites with wooden beams offer breathtaking views over the mountains…cocoons of discreet luxury. Spacious, cosy and comfortable, they are an invitation to step a little further into the intimacy and family history. Paul Bocuse used to say that “Good addresses are those where you feel at home”, and that is exactly how they felt.
Simple but thoughtful gestures, a handwritten note, an evening herbal tea, combined with the joy of waking up in the mountains, the morning mist and birdsong…just unforgettable moments.
The breakfast…a show put on by Didier, his passion for this home and his profession, the products served, a convivial and attentive welcome, friendly and theatrical, a moment that will remain anchored in their memories.
A huge thank you to the whole family for these privileged moments of (re)connection, conviviality and evasion.
Relais & Châteaux La Bouitte, a 5-star luxury hotel with mountain chic, offers an experience not to be missed. From the 2-Michelin-starred restaurant René et Maxime Meilleur, the mountain bistro Simple & Meilleur, the spa La Bèla Vya, impressive views over the peaks and endless possibilities for spending precious moments and feeling right at home.
📍Hameau de Saint-Marcel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, 73440, France