Montreuil-sur-Mer sits atop a hill, encircled by ancient ramparts. Its medieval buildings and cobble stone streets have long attra-cted tourists including Laurence Sterne whilst writing his famous book “A Senti-mental Journey”, Napoleon Bonaparte and the town’s favourite - Victor Hugo. The famous French playwright based his book Les Miserables on people he met and sights he saw in the town when visiting in 1837.
These days savvy Brits nip across the Channel to soak up the authentic French ambiance on their doorstep. They’re drawn not just to the town’s good looks but to the Saturday morning market, the terraced bistros, Michelin star restaurants and gourmet food shops.
Montreuil-sur-Mer is special when it comes to gastronomy and that gave expat Brit Tim Matthews who runs the gorgeous Maison 76 B&B in the town, the idea to create the label Destination Gastronomique. He and his business partner Michael Bennett joined with the town’s legendary chef, Alexandre Gaulthier who runs the famous La Grenouillère hotel and 2 Michelin Star restaurant in La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil. The historic little village sits on the edge of Montreuil-sur-Mer and attracts guests from around the world to indulge at the internationally renowned La Grenouillère.
Together they launched the Destination Gastronomique website to showcase excellence in local products and restaurants. The joining criteria is strictly regulated, only the best of the best, and the team have held several food and wine events to great acclaim.
Their next event will be held on Sunday 6 May, a “Symphony for the Senses“. A wine and food event combined with a flea market, live music and vintage cars in a day long celebration of all things French and fine. It will take place in the squares of Montreuil-sur-Mer and the surrounding streets – all are welcome.