Where to Stay and Eat in the Rhône Valley

Coucoo Grands Cépages

Fifteen contemporary eco-cabanes surround a quiet, secluded lake in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape countryside. Each cabane is different, but all provide enough style and amenities (most come with either a sauna or hot tub) for the place to feel more like a resort than rustic cabins in the woods. Gourmet or healthy meals are delivered to your room via golf cart at your desired hour. A full range of treatments are available in a small spa.

Wine tastings are held in the cave at Notre Dame de Cousignac

La Divine Comédie

This utterly unique B&B in Avignon offers five exquisitely designed and furnished rooms set in a gorgeously appointed 17th-century mansion. Tall pines and palms shade a spacious, secluded garden complete with a pool and wellness cabane.

Fac & Spera Hôtel & Spa

You’ll find this contemporary hotel near Tain-l’Hermitage train station, across from the Chapoutier boutique and tasting rooms and within walking distance of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona. Le Marius Bistro specialises in beef aged on the premises.

Villa Maïa

Perched high on the Fourvière hill overlooking the Vieille Ville, two-year-old Villa Maïa is a major addition to Lyon’s luxury hotel scene. Thirteen of the hotel’s 37 rooms offer views of the entire city; the other 24 look over a pretty garden. The spa includes a day-lit pool, sauna and steam room. There is no restaurant but the lounge is a great place for a drink.

Notre Dame de Cousignac

Visitors to Bourg-Saint-Andéol can experience the Ardèche countryside at this charming B&B set among a wine domaine’s vineyards. The on-site restaurant provides all your meals and wine tastings are held in the wine bar or in a nearby cave.

RESTAURANTS

André

Named after Anne-Sophie Pic’s grandfather (the founder of this multi-generational empire), this chic, wood-clad bistro honours the great chef’s classic recipes in dishes like escargots and potatoes, smoked haddock, and the line-caught sh of the day.

Les Apothicaires

The limited menus at Lyon’s Les Apothicaires attest to the freshness and quality of a sophisticated cuisine that plays with flavours, textures and temperatures.

Les Apothicaires in Lyon is leading the city’s gastronomic renaissance. Photo: Nicolas Villion

La Bijouterie

This veritable jewel of a restaurant in Lyon serves Asian-inflected French tapas. Excellent value for money.

Flaveurs

This superb restaurant in Valence showcases Michelin-starred chef Baptiste Poinot’s sophisticated seasonal dishes.

L’Oustalet

This elegant little restaurant on a leafy square in beautiful Gigondas is the perfect spot to spend a gourmet afternoon. It’s no surprise that the kitchen won its first Michelin star earlier this year. Three beautifully decorated, contemporary rooms above the wine shop offer upscale lodging.

Le Clair de la Plume

Situated at the foot of Grignan, all the rooms at this marvellous country hotel are quiet, spacious and filled with antiques; some even have their own private terrace or garden. Julien Allano wows diners at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant with the best local products and vintages. The bistro is another good choice. Buffet breakfast is served in the old hotel kitchen; elegant teas in the garden.

Le Kitchen Café

This cheerful little café, open seven days a week from 8am to 6.30pm, is the place for a delicious homemade breakfast of fresh pastries from the pastry chef co-owner or a gourmet lunch (reserve!) or teatime.

Maison Pic

This 16-room luxury hotel above the restaurant provides an exemplary nightcap to your three-star meal at Anne-Sophie Pic’s incomparable table.

From France Today magazine

Restaurant André is named after Anne- Sophie Pic’s grandfather. Photo: Serge Chapuis