THE BEST VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY MICHELIN-STARRED DINING AT LA MIRANDE, AVIGNON
Last Updated on 6th April 2024 by Bejal
Located in a five star luxury hotel of the same name, within a stones throw of the Palais des Pape, you’ll find the best vegetarian-friendly Michelin-starred dining at La Mirande, Avignon.
Well known in Avignon but also globally, this Michelin-starred establishment has a string of accolades and brings a faultlessly executed, memorable gourmet experience that is on many visitors bucket lists. Hailed by many as the best vegetarian friendly Michelin starred dining experience in Avignon or even Provence.
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This article showcases an eight course vegetarian friendly taster menu which is adapted to suit a vegetarian diet and was served alongside the regular taster menu of the Autumn season at La Mirande in September 2023.
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Vegetarian-Friendly Michelin-Starred Dining at La Mirande : The Ambience
As you enter the palatial elegance of the five star hotel lobby, it is immediately striking that there is a history here. One that dates back to the 1300’s is linked to popes and that this stunning building was once a private residence before taking on it’s current aesthetic, It’s location at the foot of the Pope’s Palace merely demands importance and grace. Think chandeliers, high ceilings, 18th century town house interiors, the intricacy of details in the flooring, draping, furniture, sideboards and china artefacts is impressive even before you have entered the dining room.
On arrival, you are seated in the salon lounge which exudes grandeur and swiftly passed a drinks menu from the bar. You can choose to start with an aperitif prior to commencing your dining experience.
Negronis were a perfect way to start the evening admiring the history and ambience of this space whilst relaxing on the comfortable upholstered sofas.
The Chef de Cuisine
Many of us research our gourmet experiences very well and the striking thing about LA MIrande is it’s talented Chef de Cuisine, Florent Pietravalle and his emphasis on sustainability, sourcing local and less food waste.
Chef Florent Pietravalle joined LA Mirande in 2016, aged 28, following a four year stint as sous chef in Pierre Gagnaire’s three Michelin star restaurants in Paris. He attained his first Michelin Star in 2019 at La Mirande.
His creations celebrate and blend the flavours of Provence and it is evident that each dish comes with a thorough thought out story, incredible passion and an instinct for his craft that impresses tremendously and can be tasted in his six and nine course tasting menu.
Chef du Cuisine & Sustainable Gastronomy.
Aligning with Be-lavie’s passion for sustainability, we chose the restaurant for Chef Florent’s commitment to ethical and eco friendly cuisine.
It is no wonder then that in early 2021, he was awarded the Michelin guide, Green star, which praises restaurants that show an outstanding commitment to sustainable gastronomy. The year previously, 2020, he was the recipient of the Eco table label.
Some of Chef Florents notable collaboration include, ‘Commes des Champignons’ a group to create and house a mushroom farm in the hotel as well as herbs on the kitchen’s roof. He is also involves with the ‘Cyclocompost’ association which ensures compostable waste is sorted ensuring things like peelings and other foods are reintroduced into the soil.
Chef Florent Pietravalle, has been awarded a number of accolades throughout the years, especially in 2021, from the the Revelation of the Year Prize at Omnivore Paris 2021, to the Grand de Demain Gault & Millau 2021 Trophy, and notably named, the ‘Years Best Talent’ by The List, giving him a great standing amongst the world’s chefs.
Le Restaurant
Once the restaurant is ready for service, you’ll be escorted to your table with your dedicated attentive waiting staff for the evening. Although the setting is traditional, historic and the epitome of elegance, the staff ensure the environment is inviting and warm.
The dining room known as the Cardinal’s room is quite special with a Renaissance offered ceiling, various paintings and wall tapestries, dark wood panelling and the sound of soft music that allows the steady flow of conversation to be heard. Throughout your meal, you’ll notice that the decor of the table blend seamlessly with the colour palette of the seasonal ingredients which was a beautiful medley of autumnal colours from browns, to golds, oranges and lighter hues to lift the darker tones.
Important Note: All dietary requirements must be confirmed with La Mirande when you receive the re-confirmation correspondence by email or telephone. This is the time to explain that you’re vegetarian so that the menu can be accommodated by the chef and his team.
An Ode To The Producers
The idea at La Mirande is that quality food shouldn’t accrue air miles. Transport time should be kept as short as possible whether its freshly picked fruits and vegetables or daily caught fish, produce from the region of Provence and more so areas close to Avignon are key to attain ingredients. This has led to the restaurant teams award of the Green Star Distinction from the Michelin Guide 2021. The commitment to sustainability at La Mirande is exemplary. A true respect for seasons, land, livestock equals exceptional cuisine.
Some of the locally sourced Provencal commune ingredients and their supplier bases
- Mushrooms (La Mirande in Avignon)
- Pigeon (Serrians)
- Truffles (Carpentras)
- Apples (Aithert-des-Paluds and Cavailon)
- Eau de Vie/ fruit brandy (ile de la Barthelasse)
- Vegetables (Pujaut and Pernes-les-Fontaines)
- Cheese (L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue)
- Honey (Peniche au bord de I’ile Piot)
- Chocolate (Chateaurenard)
- Olive Oil (near St-Remy-des-Provence)
- Fish (near Arles in Le Grau de Rois)
- Meat (Frontignan)
- Edible flowers (Orgon)
The Nine course Vegetarian Taster Menu.
Changing with the seasons and the availability of produce, this menu is simply a work of sheer art both in it’s creation and presentation. It’s commendable just how eloquently each and every ingredient in this vegetarian taster menu celebrates the ingredient and its ability to shine all alone. This takes an incredible level of skill to execute.
The menu can be accompanied with wines for each course or have a bottle to sip on through the evening. Rest assured La Mirande has the most extensive list of wines and Champagnes which will be carefully suggested by the Sommelier. We opted for the 1717 red, Vacqueyras 2012.
The menu itself leaves a lot to the imagination in its vague French description which only specifies the ingredients in their truest form. The menu keeps all the earthy notes of vegetables with some clever cooking transforming the taste which is broken down into different layers, as if peeing an onion. Each dish is a masterpiece as the guest anticipate the arrival of the next dish with intrigue.
A sample of the Autumn Vegetarian Taster Menu
Agnoletti – Pomme de terre – Tomme
Some appetisers to set the scene of what’s to come.
Jeunes courgettes zébrées – Caviar – Poivron vert
The prettiest work of courgettes you’ll see.
Bread & Olive Oil
The most melt in the mouth bread with local olive oil.
Feuille de figuier – Vichyssoise
An elegant soup, rich in colour.
Artichaut – Bagna cauda – Jus végétal
The earthy flavour of artichoke with vegetable sauce
Tomates – Moutarde – Kimchi
A little spicy kick from the Kimchi
Lentilles – Poivre grillé – Concombre de mer
Sea cucumber with lentils
Aubergine – Miso de seigle – Shoyu de café
Aubergine and miso is a great combination
Moût de raisins de la famille Pfifferling
A refreshing cold palate cleanser
Chèvre – Oseille – Romarin
Goats cheese (no photography)
Roses de Damas
A beautiful light flavoured rose
Empanada Miel E pollen – Alice GALY – Sorbet – Tagète
The perfect small but perfectly sweet morsels to end a wonderful meal.
There is also a little surprise in store, where one of the small courses is served in the kitchen as you are invited to meet Chef Florant.
Where to Stay – Vegetarian Friendly Michelin Starred Dining at La Mirande
Hotel La Mirande
What is more convenient than to enjoy dinner and canter up to your room afterwards? Each of the 26 individually styled rooms at La Mirande are simply exquisite. Some with baths and all with wall tapestries and silk lined curtains. Perfect for a special occasion or to treat yourself or a loved one.
Round Up: Vegetarian-Friendly Michelin-Starred Dining at La Mirande
Vegetarian friendly dining at La Mirande is truly a once in a lifetime or very special affair if you’re lucky enough to experience it again. Remarkable use of vegetables in the cuisine that reflects the essence of this region. An admirable priority to sustainability and quality of cuisine plus the creativity of Chef Florant builds a cuisine that is unique, timeless, historic yet modern somehow right in the heart of Avignon.
The Details
- Location: Le Restaurant. Hotel La Mirande. Place de l’Amirande. 84000. Avignon I Tel. +33 4 90 14 2020
- Locate on: Map I Website & Reservations
- Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 19:30 – 21:15 (last order)
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À bientôt
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