Flayosc is a hidden gem tucked away in the rolling vineyard-coated mountains inland from Nice in Southern France. With stunning scenery, sensational food and wine, and lovely locals, this area enchanted me during my recent trip.

 

My travel companion and I flew into Nice and made the two hour drive to the west through the lush countryside into charming Flayosc. Despite our limited French, the villagers were welcoming - especially when they learned we came all the way from Australia!

 

We toured the beautiful Chateau de Berne winery, sampling refreshing rosé, crisp whites and bold reds along with tuna tataki salad and seafood pastas that showed off the bounty of Provençal cuisine. Their gift shop offered plenty of temptations like truffle olive oils and wines to take home.
For lunch at Le Bistrot du Château de Berne, we began with a refreshing tuna tataki salad with sesame crusted tuna sashimi, mixed greens, avocado and a ginger soy dressing. For our mains, we chose the seafood linguine piled with plump mussels, clams, and shrimp in a light tomato sauce and the French pork fillet topped with a mustard demi-glace, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. 

 

The postcard-worthy village of Tourtour with its medieval cottages, towering church and whimsical statues did not disappoint. We indulged in the most perfect steak frites - a sublime hanger steak smothered in a peppercorn sauce alongside crispy potatoes and pickled salad. We also ordered the duck breast with a sweet and tart cranberry glaze that beautifully cut through the rich meat. It was served with a creamy dauphinoise potato mash and buttery seasonal vegetables. 

 

We even took a quick day trip jaunt over to ritzy St. Tropez, crossing the glistening sea by ferry to explore the world-renowned luxury destination. Once there, we spent the afternoon browsing the various high-end designer boutiques like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior. We grabbed fancy cocktails at a beach club while gawking at the outrageous mega yachts docked in the harbor. 

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For lunch, we indulged in the freshest seafood including lobster, sea bass, octopus and more at a harborfront restaurant. After our meal, we walked along the beach walkway, dipping our toes into the crystal clear turquoise waters and admiring the spectacular sunsets over the Côte d’Azur. Though posh, St. Tropez still retained the easygoing seaside spirit and beauty of the French Riviera that draws visitors back year after year.

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Our final night in Flayosc was centered around a local Michelin star restaurant. We began with seared scallops presented with fancy citrus foam and other creative embellishments. Our mains featured premium Angus Porterhouse steaks cooked to perfection, paired with a rich red wine jus reduction, sides of truffled mashed potatoes and crispy seared seasonal vegetables. For dessert, we savored a sublime single-serving crème brûlée topped with glistening fresh berries bursting with flavor. The exquisite meal showcased the talents of a masterful chef at the height of their abilities.

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In just a few days, we were able to take in incredible food and wine, charming villages, friendly locals, and the captivating landscapes of Southern France. J’adore Flayosc et Provence!