In the French Alps, we recently had an opportunity to dine at two restaurants that are both connected to a luxury property called Château de Candie in Chambéry. Be sure to read our review of the property. They call their dining experiences unforgettable, and after having dined at both their restaurants, I can vouch for the claim.
Our favorite was their in-house La Cantine, the hotel’s authentic restaurant with a terrace offering fabulous views of the wooded gardens and fountain and Le Lido, their restaurant on the shores of Lake Bourget, approximately a ten or so minute drive from the hotel. The service, food, wine and ambiance were all top-notch. They offer an ever-changing menu using locally sourced ingredients, so depending on the season.
We began our stay with a lunch at Le Lido, where we sat outside. We were fortunate enough to get a table right on the lake’s edge, so the views all afternoon were spectacular.
Inside is equally charming with a central circular bar you relax at — there are wide windows facing the lake so you can still get the views during cooler months when it’s not suitable to dine outside.
We enjoyed a couple of appetizers and mains for lunch — note that Anthony wanted to try a burger, rare when we are reviewing restaurants, but the weather and vibe called for it. It was far from an ordinary burger. Decadent burger sums it up and just look at those fries.
I went for the steak with a fresh multi-colored tomato salad.
The real prize (in addition to the divine cocktails and wine) was the starters. Below is a delicious Mocktail made with Mango, Apricot, Oranges, and fresh mint. They also offer various Apertifs, Kir, beers and ciders as well as a comprehensive wine menu. For our main course, I opted for a glass of the 2022 AOP Savoie Chignin Bergeron (Raipoumpou). Other great options include Gaspacho with Basil, Ceviche and Beef Tartare with fries.
A cocktail at Le Lido for lunch, on the banks of the Lake Bourget
My favorite was their cold strawberry soup, which was to die-for — and just look at the presentation. (below)
This bisque was equally heavenly, served with onions and a side of toast. We were talking about it weeks later.
I thought we were done, but one of the waiters strongly suggested we try the Ceviche and so we did, which they prepared with scallops, paprika, corn, scallions and pomegranate.
We wouldn’t have had desserts except for the fact that they sounded so good and we knew we were going light for dinner with an appetizer plate (and wine of course). They love their wine here and many of the waiters are passionate about it, another bonus. Below, the Cremeux au Chocolate de Savoie.
Chef Badara Gueye fuses classic French cuisine with flavors and spices from Senegal, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. One night, we were treated to a wine tasting at the bar by their on-site somalier. If the bar isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a chilled glass of Viognier wine made from grapes grown in the château’s own vineyard, outside on a picnic blanket with breathtaking views of the valley.
The indoor dining room area at La Cantine in the main hotel is a combination of chic, elegant and old world.
How’s this for divine?
The salads were decadent and beautifully presented as well.
I’ll say yes to anything with figs — this dish was exceptional and again, look at the attention to detail.
Below, a beautifully presented plate of Salmon with fresh greens that was as delicious as it looks.
Their desserts at both Le Lido and La Cantine did NOT disappoint.
Below, we had a wine tasting with Raphael, including Sauternes, which was his idea. Once they realized we loved a similar style, out it came. It is a wine made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle Grapes and is on the sweeter side, so it’s a great choice to pair with a dessert or a cheeseboard. Others on the list? They had a Savoie Champagne (great with oysters), a Candie Voignier (2023) which was loaded with peach and citrus, a Saint Georges Blanc (Les Argillats), which was full bodied (vanilla, oak, buttery and closest to a California Chardonnay), a 2024 Sens Crozes-Hermitage, where you could taste Blackberry, Raspberry and White Pepper and a delicious 2023 Julien de Savignac Cuvee Pauline Cotes de Bergerac (Moelleux).
All of them were top notch choices – hats off to Raphael and his team for such a wonderful selection.
Raphael during our wine tasting at La Cantine’s bar
Below, at the end of our final dinner, they brought out a different Sauternes to try.
The entire experience was memorable and one we’d highly recommend. If this area isn’t on your radar, consider making it a side trip from Paris or Provence. Two thumbs up!
THE DETAILS:
La Cantine @ Château de Candie
533 Rue du Bois de Candie | 73000 Chambéry, France
Le Lido on Lake Bourget
Bord du lac d’Aix les Bains | 73100 Tresserve, France
https://lido-lacdubourget.com/
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored over 90, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity. She is also the founder of the Magdalene Collection, a jewelry line dedicated to women’s unsung voices and stories, and the award-winning author of the bestselling book Magdalene’s Journey
She is founder of Blue Soul Media and co-founder of Blue Soul Earth as well as the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS podcast, that bridges science, technology and spirituality. Renee also founded Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
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