Le route du bonheur

A bit of history

In the mid 1950s the so-called 'Blue' train from Paris' Gare de Lyon lead passengers along the route from Paris to the Côte d'Azur.

A road was built in parallel to the train, and outposts of fine French taste started to flourish along this route. As the owners of one of these establishments, Marcel and Nelly Tilloy saw an opportunity to band together with other locales sharing the same unflagging passion for hospitality and excellent cuisine.

They offered an enticing culinary itinerary, encouraging travellers to explore all the spots. Soon this itinerary acquired the moniker "La Route du Bonheur" or "Road of Happiness"

  • Northern Italy, from the Po Plain to the Venetian countryside

    Travel into the north of Italy, from the Po Plain to the soft landscapes of the Venetian countryside. This splendid Route du Bonheur winds between vines and the banks of Lake Garda, olive groves, palaces and lagoons fit for a postcard. We come across lute makers, golfers, tenors and oenologists. A real concentration of culture and gastronomy.

    go to the route

  • The Italian Lakes

    First we visit Lake Orta, then Lake Maggiore, and finally, Lake Garda. And in between, the Relais & Châteaux that seem to pay tribute to this gentle and entrancing landscape. This trip in Northern Italy is like no other. Perhaps because it is the most beautiful… I was born in Sorrento in Southern Italy, about 1000 km from the lake region! I was 20 years old when I first came to Lake Orta. I spent a year here before leaving to continue my chef training elsewhere, in Alsace amongst other places. It was only in 1999 that I returned to open, with my wife, the Villa Crespi hotel and restaurant. It was my wife, Cinzia, who really introduced me to the lake and its region. I have found beauty, happiness and a great source of inspiration here. Since then, I have not left this place that fills me with serenity.

    go to the route

  • Le route du bonheur

    Le route du bonheur

    A bit of history