When I heard the news of the passing of Paul Bocuse  back in January, I was deeply saddened.  We had an amazing night of food, fun, laughter and a very good show at the Abbaye of Collonges in August last year.

Paul Bocuse was an amazing French Chef who will always be famous for high quality restaurants and his innovative approaches to cuisine.  He was one of the most prominent chefs associated with nouvelle cuisine, which is less opulent and calorific than traditional ‘cuisine classique”.  He was born in Collonges and it is there you find his famed Michelin starred restaurant.

On the banks of the Saone River, the Abbey of Collonges stands in all its splendor, offering us a unique welcome in a shining setting.  The moment we walked in to hear the sound of the playing of the grand fairground organs, so lovingly restored, we knew we were in for a treat.  The prestigious reputation of the Abbaye de Collonges is not its only asset.  The enthusiasm of its staff always ready to meet our requirements, adds so much more to the whole evening.

Our ship docked right by the Abbaye, it was a short walk across the road and we were in the grounds.

Of course I always have that trepidation that I won’t be able to get a gluten free meal. It will be a fish meal doused with peanuts and gluten, even though I know that the tour director has advised them of my diet requirements.  APT even provided me with a placard to place on the table to remind the staff.

Should I have been worried?  Shake the head and a big fat NO!…. From the moment I sat down at our table I was looked after.  Even down to the bread roll.  I enjoyed the food so much I didn’t take a picture.  Now thats not like me at all.  Oh well you will have to believe me then.

All around the restaurant are names of outstanding chefs.

The waiters had us in stitches as they literally ran down the stairs with 6 plates or more of food.  One  pretended he was drunk tripping on the stairs, he was not a young waiter either.  If I remember rightly he had 8 plates, 4 on each arm.  Sometimes you go these places and the entertainment is better than the food.  Not at the Abbaye!  The food was amazing and I can see why the Abbaye had continually been awarded a Michelin star for many years running.

What an amazing night of fun and great food.  We had the pleasure of sitting with our friends Tania and Peter and our Captain of the ship Tony and his partner Victoria.

What a wonderful day we had.  Frogs legs, snails and a gastronomical dinner.

Back to the ship for a nightcap and to bed we go.  Next morning we will be in Lyon for more amazing food and sights.

Once on board and a drink in hand we wandered out to the deck to watch the lights of Lyon come into view.   More about that in another post.