Viré: Le Relais de Montmartre

Southern Burgundy, less known to most wine connoisseurs than the northern part of the province, has quietly evolved into a delicious destination, with Bibendum this year scattering a handful of stars on the area between Tournus, Macon and the enchanting Abbaye de Cluny. Best of the bunch is the Relais de Montmartre, in the new Hôtel et Restaurant Frédéric Carrion in the pretty village of Viré, which won its first Michelin star this year. Carrion’s menu changes constantly, but dishes like his langoustines with pistachio oil, peas, asparagus and artichokes; or the Bresse chicken cooked with vanilla beans and seasoned with argan oil show off his love of seasonal produce and his penchant for using flavored oils as condiments. Carrion and his wife Marie have done a lovely job of restoring this old auberge, which now has nine comfortable and attractive rooms, one suite and a miniature spa. It makes a perfect weekend destination from Paris—they’ll pick you up at the Macon TGV station—or an ideal stop for anyone traveling north to south this summer.

Place André Lagrange, Viré, 03.85.33.10.72. €50 per person without wine

Originally published in the June 2009 issue of France Today

See our complete restaurant guide