LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE :: The Epicurean Experience

Where The World Meets™

Walking through the ramparted walls of Aigues-Mortes you can’t help but to feel overwhelmed by the sudden transformation of the 13th-century architecture, not to mention the prospect of travelling back to the Middle Ages.

With reservations in place, we were on foot headed through rectilinear streets to dine at the first-ever Camargais restaurant. Since its opening over 42 years ago, LA CAMARGUE has played host to many famous French celebrities such as actor Alain Delon, sex kitten Brigitte Bardot, former ‘President and 1st Lady of France’ Georges and Claude Pompidou, actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, as well as son, former ‘Formula One’ driver Paul Belmondo, former ‘U.S. Ambassador to France’ and Kennedy in-law, Sargent Shriver, Jr., along with their respective Kennedy and Belmondo families.

Built in the 13th Century, Aigues-Mortes was once a royal port during the Crusades. Behind the walls lies a fortified city.

This circa 1965 eatery was the very first restaurant to open in Camargue. Throughout the years, it has catered to a slew of celebrities and tourists.

An award winning “Medaille d’Argent Paris 2007” Gris de Gris Vin de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion was the selected wine accompaniment for the Epicurean Experience we were about to feast upon. The main course platters; La Côte de Taureau “Le Goût” (black bull steak), Loup grillé à la plancha (grilled wolf fish), Le Magret de Canard, miel et gingembre (steaklet of duck, with honey and ginger), and my dinner choice, the house and regional specialty, La véritable Gardianne de Taureau et son riz de Camargue... superbly tender (beef stew, similar to the Provençal "Daube" with Camargue rice)... absolutely divine!

And for ‘the icing on the cake’ we moved to the interior where we were seated at the legendary Celebrity Table, to further take pleasure in café espresso and a dessert selection of Crème Brûlée, Le Moelleux au Chocolat et Pistaches and Le Parfait Glace aux Marrons... the finishing touches to a superb dinner!

While sipping on a Sangria cocktail, proprietor Guillon Bruce told a tale of ‘a then 11-year-old’ Baron Eric de Rothschild planting a tree only a few feet from where we were seated on the terrace.

Les Batista Naco & Gigi

Celebrity personalities who have frequented LA CAMARGUE throughout the years: (l to r) Paul Belmondo, Georges Pompidou, Sargent Shriver, Alain Delon, Brigitte Bardot, Baron Eric de Rothschild, and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

As we were serenaded by Flamenco singers, Les Batista Naco & Gigi, a duo well known for their rhythmic Gypsy performances, we were served up unique Provençal specialties; Tapenade aux Olives (purées of olives and anchovies spread on toast for hors d'oeuvres), Aubergines Tomate et Basilic (sautéed eggplant in tomato basil sauce), Poivrons à l’huile d’olive et à l’ail (grilled peppers with garlic in olive oil), and Légumes du Marché en Anchoïade Provençale (a beautiful floral-like arrangement of farm fresh produce accompanied with anchovy and garlic paste).

Restaurant LA CAMARGUE

19 rue de la République, 30220 Aigue-Mortes, FRANCE Tél. +33 04 66 53 86 88 www.restaurantlacamargue.fr

Upscale Camargais eatery located behind the walls of Aigues-Mortes, rich in Medieval history and architecture. Savour Provençale tradition perfectly presented by 26-year Culinary veteran, Chef Jean Vicente. A fine selection of Hérault wines available to connoisseurs. Summer season offers al fresco dining with Gypsy entertainment on private terrace. Interior old stone fireplace perfect for wintertime family or romantic dining. Lovely atmosphere. Private soirées. Children’s menu available. Open 7 days from 19:30h - 23:00h & alternate lunch menu twice weekly. Call for reservations.

Une Expérience Epicurienne Provençale ravissante!

A native Baillarguois, Restaurant LA CAMARGUE proprietor, Guillon Bruce was born in the Montpellier region of France. With more than 10 years of hôtellerie and winemaking experience, Bruce and his business partner-wife Alexia, purchased the Aigues-Mortes landmark in 2000.

IMAGE: JEAN BENOIT