French fancies – Continental dining for a little less

The most outstanding ‘fromages’, the finest ‘escargots’ and charming cafes. Now you can savour the world’s culinary best, for a little bit less, as this month France has cut the VAT levied on restaurants and cafes from 19.6% to just 5.5%.

Take your pick from one of these Preferred Hotel Group properties and treat yourself to haute cuisine, without the haughty prices. Magnifique!

Hotel La Voile d’Or (preferredboutique.com)
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Located in the port of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Hotel La Voile d’Or is surrounded by leafy green gardens and exudes relaxed elegance. The restaurant, Gastronomique, offers gourmet dining with views overlooking the port, sea and mountains. The newly priced menu offers a saving of over 16%. For the less formal option enjoy a casual lunch served at the beach restaurant and save 12%.

Must Try: Black “Vénéré” rice, warm lobster from Brittany served with a green ‘Riquette’ salad and croutons in a shell fish oil vinaigrette followed by fresh strawberries from Nice with soft almonds, a vanilla cream and meringue. Dessert lovers will adore Gastronomique’s ‘Amarena’ cherries and Tonka chocolate.

Lunch menu at the beach restaurant priced at €53.
Dinner menu at Gastronomique priced at €75 (both are available from Monday to Friday).
Prices start from €251 for a one night stay.

Beau Rivage et Plage (summithotels.com)
Nice

Situated in Nice’s old town and designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, this four star hotel is a tranquil haven amid the bustle of France’s cosmopolitan south coast. Enjoy resident chef Stephen Innocenti’s fusion of Asian and Mediterranean inspired cuisine at the beach restaurant, open March to November or indulge in sumptuous creations at Les Galets Winter Lounge when the beach is closed.

Must Try: Fried breast duck with thyme vinegar and wild blackberries and oven baked pecorino gnocchi. Red meat lovers should opt for the beef tartar.

Set menu: €19 for one course, €32 for a three courses.
Set menu not valid during the weekend.
Prices start from €250 for a one night stay.

Montalembert (preferredhotels.com)
Paris

Experience left bank chic at Montalembert, an intimate five star retreat with suites overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The restaurant’s natural elements-themed menu – ‘Terre’, ‘Mer’, ‘Vegetal’ and ‘Soleil’, designed by chef David Maroleau, formerly of The Ritz, is the central draw. Enjoy alfresco dining on the Terrace in the warmer months. The menu includes diet dishes with listed calories for the health conscious.

Must Try: Niçoise salad with white tuna, baby artichokes and quail eggs or lamb fillet in a parsley crumble accompanied by vegetables in a tomato pesto sauce.

Tasting dishes priced from €13, gourmet dishes from €14.
Prices start from €270 for a one night stay.

Hotel Balzac (preferredhotels.com)
Paris

Located in the eighth arrondisement, Hotel Balzac is a turn-of-the-century town house just steps away from the Champs-Elysees. Enjoy award-winning fare at the Pierre Gagnaire restaurant. Alternatively, for traditional French cuisine in the capital the Art Deco Le Baretto is located opposite the hotel and boasts three Michelin stars.

Must Try: Pierre Gagnaire’s starter of white truffles with gruyere shavings, onion gratin on a bed of roasted foie gras and freshwater fish mousseline with a baby leek salad.

Starters priced from €96, main courses from €94 and desserts from €40.
Prices start from €350 for a one night stay.

Hotel Beauvallon (preferredhotels.com)
St Tropez

One to watch, Hotel Beauvallon will re-open early next year after extensive refurbishment. Boasting stunning views of the bay of St Tropez the hotel will feature a new Eco-Luxe Spa as well as - A new Eco-Luxe spa and suites.- The Prive Estate with 16 2-bedroom private pool suites.two gourmet - 2 new original restaurants and a stunning new Sky Floor.restaurants and a Sky Floor. A Mediterranean inspired menu by Executive Chef Jean Michel Belin won’t fail to impress, whether you choose to dine ‘à deux’ under the romantic night sky, or share a feast with family and friends.

Prices start from €300 for a one night stay.