Issue No. 18

Montreuil-sur-Mer sits atop a hill, encircled
by ancient ramparts. Its medieval buildings
and cobble stone streets have long attracted
tourists including Laurence Sterne
whilst writing his famous book “A Sentimental
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 Montreuilsur-Mer
and the surrounding streets – all are
welcome.