La Maison de la Pia

THE STORY: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for food nerds! Picture one of the most breathtaking valleys in the Mercantour National Park, located along the Italian border, where two geodesic domes open wide onto the incredible landscapes of the Vallée de la Roya – a true hidden gem – and you’ll start to get a sense of what awaits you at La Maison de la Pia. Who’s behind this GPS-defying adventure? Nice native Thomas Guernion, a former chef at L’Arpège, trained in the art of fresh pasta by his mother (Maison Barale), and Camille Burle, the gifted former sommelier at Adeline Grattard’s restaurant Lai’Tcha in Paris and Le Canon in Nice. In addition to their very locavore restaurant, the two love birds had the brilliant idea to team up with La Tanière à Mémé to build two cozy wood-and-canvas clad cabins, complete with running water, electricity, private showers and bathrooms – not to mention uninterrupted views of the mountains. Domes start at €110 a night (reserved for guests of the restaurant – tasting menus from €50-64) and are available with half-board during the restaurant’s seasonal closure (from mid-December to mid-April).

TOILETRIES: Artisan soap and shampoo.
BREAKFAST: Included, served in your room and composed of local products – bread made with heirloom flours, homemade brioche, farm-fresh butter, honey and jams, yogurts or cheese from the neighboring farm, fruit juice.
LITTLE LUXURY: Set off on a hike through the Vallée de la Roya straight from your geodesic dome.