There are châteaus and then there are châteaus! Château d’Estoublon is the epitome of what you imagine when dreaming of a beautiful French château. It isn’t hard to live out your Beauty and the Beast dreams here. Can I just move in? 

Château d’Estoublon is an absolutely stunning estate that has been producing olive oils and wine since 1489. We reserved a table for lunch at the château’s in-house restaurant, La Table d’Estoublon, and it was one of the most memorable lunches we’ve ever experienced.

Upon entering Château d’Estoublon, you’ll pass through a massive stone entrance and a welcome committee of tall cypress trees flanking the road. The château is surrounded by an 18-hectare vineyard and 120 hectares of olive groves that set the stage for what is to come.

The terrace at La Table d’Estoublon is simply gorgeous. Tables are placed thoughtfully around so as not to crowd anyone, and the entire area is shaded with massive umbrellas. Waiters wear crisp white button down shirts and the atmosphere is one of laid back sophistication. Marble topped tables are set with linen napkins and you’re surrounded by perfectly manicured boxwoods in ancient terracotta pots. The delicate stemware before you is just waiting to be filled with rosé. I was already in love with everything and the food had not even arrived yet.

Everything we ordered was almost too pretty to eat. The presentation of dishes at La Table d’Estoublon joins with the meticulously curated grounds like the icing on an elaborate wedding cake. We started with pizza with candied lemon and goat curd that was so fresh and delicious. The lemons were sliced paper thin and perfectly balanced the richness of the goat curd. We also tried the fresh green pea soup with duck foie gras that was exceptional. The beef tartare with smoked herring caviar was a silky savory delight. I loved the grilled Mediterranean octopus and Paul really enjoyed the roasted French veal chop, both executed perfectly. To pair with all of these dishes, we opted for a bottle of the château’s rosé called Roseblood (is there a better name for rosé?). For dessert, we couldn’t get enough of the freshly made lemon, strawberry, and raspberry sorbet which arrived in an ice-cold bowl. The vacherin with raspberry and verbena from the garden was also a treat. Lunch at La Table d’Estoublon is an experience that I did not want to end.

Afterwards, we enjoyed exploring the grounds of the château including the épicerie where we purchased a bottle of Roseblood and a bottle of olive oil. There is a bar with red velvet and gold studded stools with an illuminated wall of rosé bottles and a surrounding structure that feels like being inside a wine barrel. On the way out, we stepped inside the on-site chapel which has really unique stained glass, especially over the altar where the image of a stag and dove gaze down upon you.

Château d’Estoublon was a magical experience from start to finish. I can’t wait to return on our next visit to Provence.

Bonsoir et à demain!

xo – Erin