Auberge Quintessence

At the Col de la Couillole, a pass in the Mercantour National Park, you come to this former refuge, now run by a young couple. These two serve up contemporary cuisine that draws inspiration from the mountains (herbs, in particular): think Mediterranean gambero rosso with einkorn and meadowsweet; roast lamb from the Alpilles, jus with caraway from the local mountains; or quince with Beuil saffron and rosehip ice cream. They propose a handful of delightful guestrooms.