Hotel de la Poste

Originally a modest inn opened in 1822, this Vienne institution was made famous by the emblematic couple of Mado and Fernand Point in the early 20C. It was taken over by Patrick Henriroux in 1989 and has since continued to evolve on his watch: a designer decor in the dining area, the addition of a second restaurant (PH3), a charming hotel and a cocktail bar… As for the food, classical dishes are given a highly precise and pared-back contemporary twist: artichokes and European lobster, the Camus and baby varieties stuffed with meat from the claws, the tail with its coral ; milk-fed lamb with Pr

Perched on the heights of Chasse-sur-Rhône, the Domaine de Gorneton weaves a magical bucolic spell. This 17C stone-built manor houses guestrooms, a swimming pool and a restaurant, whose name is a nod to the waterlilies on the pond. The simple and inviting dining area features light parquet floors and exposed rafters. Chef Loïc Plestin (ex La Loge Bertin in Manosque) sculpts seriously succulent fare (particularly the jus): chicken fricassee with melt-in-the-mouth spinach, fragrant tomato jus and mushrooms; compressed apple terrine, white chocolate ganache and Breton biscuit.

Chef Gaëtan Gentil's new restaurant in the Confluence neighbourhood is housed in a building that is eco-responsible from floor to ceiling, and that includes the French oak tables. From the open kitchen in the middle of the space, he creates his seasonal cuisine that highlights the produce of the Rhône Valley terroir, using herbs and wild plants to great effect. This creative, instinctive yet carefully thought-out cooking is based on the elevation of ingredients, which are subject to numerous variations and enhanced by sauces packed with flavour. All his chosen suppliers share the same commitme

A wind of audacity has swept through Maxime Laurenson’s restaurant. Precise, legible dishes reveal each ingredient simply, with a firm focus on vegetables and a steadfast commitment to locally sourced produce. The single set menu (no choice) features a dozen or so courses, each of which stars the best of a region that spans Auvergne to the Alps. The interior is clearly inspired by nature (stone, wood, colour, plants) and the vibe is friendly. A down-to-earth establishment that is a favourite with Lyon’s foodies.

This 19C château, which houses the Institut Lyfe (the international hotel management school formerly known as the Institut Paul Bocuse), serves the first-class cuisine of Florian Pansin, who is supported by a large team both in the kitchen and front of house. You will appreciate the finesse, precise presentation and well-balanced flavours: scallops with walnut, beurre monté with Rancio wine; beef tenderloin with Kampot pepper flambéed in rum, pommes soufflés... The cuissons are spot on, and there are flashes of creativity. Put simply, tasty seasonal cuisine at its best!

In the wake of his mentor Paul Bocuse, Christian Têtedoie has built a small gourmet empire. Perched on Fourvière hill overlooking the city, the Têtedoie is a gourmet showcase. A champion of Gallic culinary traditions, this fan of contemporary art is committed to finetuning and even modernising this heritage. Bites of snails, foie gras and pistachio; “portfolio” of red mullet, carrots and game sauce; mallard duck, grilled chestnuts and Jack Be Little pumpkins: his dishes sometimes read like an abstract art exhibition. It’s impossible not to mention his signature dish: lobster casserole with a c

Au 14 Février stands on rue du Bœuf, among the Renaissance mansions, cobbled streets and arcaded galleries in the heart of historical Lyon. A wonderful location in which to sample the surprise menu of chef Tsuyoshi Arai, whose talent and imagination are no longer up for discussion. Born in Kyoto, he belongs to the large family of Japanese chefs who have fallen for France's culinary heritage. He elevates exceptionally fresh ingredients (Miéral poultry, Wagyu beef) by playing on textures, bitterness and acidity: peas, broad beans and snow peas with tamarind, crab and caviar; beetroot tarte tatin