Best Picnic Locations: Luncheon on the Grass with Relais & Châteaux

A life really worth living in the long summer nights and vibrant countryside. The open air brings the senses to life. That is why the Maîtres de Maison and Chefs of Relais & Châteaux have come up with a brilliant idea to help you make the most of the balmy summer days: they have restored the picnic to all its former glory by reinventing the luncheon on the grass.

Relais & Châteaux Chefs now perform their culinary feats in style in the midst of the countryside and are creating a whole new experience. Each innkeeper selects the very best ingredients from his region to produce the perfect picnic basket crammed with mouth-watering local products. They each scour their local area, within a 30-minute radius of their property, to find a magical spot where you can enjoy a feast in the countryside. You can experience one of these stylish picnics for €45 per person, drinks included, free for children under the age of 10 (limit of 3 children per couple).

And… If you have already enjoyed the French and Swiss versions of luncheons on the grass in June, there are further opportunities to be explored in Spain where 13 Relais & Châteaux are taking part in the event in July. You will find all the addresses you need here. For your information: the luncheons initiative has a charitable dimension as a part of the profits go to the French Brain and Spinal Cord Institute (ICM). Never was it so pleasant to have lunch on the lawn...

1. FAMILY LUNCH OVERLOOKING THE WIDE OPEN SEAS
You don't have to choose between the charms of the countryside and the bracing sea air. La Chaumière, in France, lets you set up your table in the meadows with the beach just minutes away. Perfect for the kids!

Unique Experience
Enjoy the fresh sea air in the midst of the countryside.

Gastronomy
The chef’s picnic basket contains shrimps, a board of cold meats from Etretat (Rose Blanche appellation) with fresh bread and semi-salted Isigny butter. For the grand finale, a fresh goat’s cheese tartine and a grilled tartine with caramelised apples.

La Chaumière
Route du Littoral 14600 Honfleur (Calvados)
France
Tel. + 33 (0)2 31 81 63 20, Website

2. STYLISH PICNIC IN A LUSH GREEN FIELD
The Chef at Les Maisons de Bricourt near Mont Saint-Michel in France has conveyed the flavours of the sea to a very stylish field. Make the most of the fine weather and relax in total peace and quiet.

Unique Experience
History lovers will adore exploring Château Richeux which is right next door to the magical spot selected by the Relais & Châteaux Chef.

Gastronomy
Food lovers will relish, amongst other things, Cancale oysters and spider crab meat, not to mention sweet treats including chocolate cake and salted butter caramels. Sheer bliss!

Les Maisons de Bricourt
Le Buot 35350 Saint Méloir des Ondes (Ille-et-Vilaine)
France
Tel. + 33 (0)2 99 89 64 76, Website

3. A COUNTRY PATH AT THE EDGE OF THE WOODS
You have to go to Switzerland if you want to enjoy a luncheon on the grass which starts with a walk through the countryside, organised in this case, by the Maître de Maison of Hôtel Les Sources des Alpes.

Unique Experience
On your way, recover from a tiny fountain a nice bottle of refreshing white wine for the aperitif.

Gastronomy
To accompany the wine, the gourmet picnic basket offers home-made Buljes dried sausage, local Alpine cheese, Valais cured ham and lots of other treats chosen for you with loving care by Chef Laurent Omphalius.

Hôtel Les Sources des Alpes
Tuftstraße 17
CH-3954 Loèche-les-Bains (Valais)
Switzerland
Tel. + 41 (0)21 472 20 00, Website

4. FLAVOURS OF SPAIN IN THE WILD GRASSES
Plunge into luxuriant green undergrowth at El Castell de Ciutat, in the heart of the Pyrenees just minutes from the Principality of Andorra. Settle down gently onto the grass and open a wicker basket to discover a host of delightful local delicacies.

Unique Experience
Luncheon on the grass with stunning views of the mountains.

Gastronomy
Spanish cold meats, cured ham, tortilla and local cheese… Simple yet exceptionally high-quality produce to delight even the most demanding gourmet. That little extra? The exquisite taste of fresh sun-drenched tomatoes.