Logis Hôtel Médiéval, Montélimar Nord

On the legendary road that is the Nationale 7, this place has struck on a winning formula. Le Moderne, with its name and decor that call to mind the 1950s, has not aged a day. An appealing restaurant complete with a delicatessen and wine shop, it certainly has the feel-good factor. Marion (in the kitchen) and Ben Franze (front of house) put a smile on our faces with their delicious seasonal cuisine that has met with well-deserved success: escargot cromesquis and poultry jus; Charolais beef sirloin cooked two ways, fried panisse and chimichurri sauce. In fine weather, head for the terrace.

In the heart of the Domaine du Colombier, the Bistrot is depicted by spot-on cooking that blends modernity with tradition courtesy of premium regional produce. Tartare of Ardèche trout, poultry tournedos with Nyons olives or crème brûlée infused in vanilla-tonka bean: a lineup of well-crafted dishes that celebrates the South. Modern interior, glazed wine cellar and a patio overlooking the countryside. Peace and quiet just a few miles outside town.

This discreet inn near Aubenas boasts an elegant contemporary setting. The chef prepares cuisine that espouses the zeitgeist, drawing on the terroir and modern trends, with a distinct penchant for small-scale producers. Free-range farm-raised pork, snails, saffron, goat's cheese, wild herbs picked by hand: everything is local. Efficient and cordial service.

The view over the valley and the surrounding Ardèche hillsides, a beautiful timber structure, chestnut wood tables, an indoor aromatic herb garden and the etymology of the name bòria ("small Cévennes farm" in Ardèche dialect) - the stage is set! Assisted by a high-flying team whose wholehearted commitment to the house ethos is beyond doubt, chef Florian Descours pays tribute to his rural roots with fresh, local produce: beef from Privas, pork from Beaulieu, snails from the Eyrieux valley and trout from Vercors). A treat from beginning to end, from the grilled baby gem lettuce and Villevocance

Epona, Gallic goddess of travellers and abundance, watches over this welcoming establishment, conveniently located between Valence and Montélimar in the Ardèche. In the evenings and at weekends, peruse the set menu (without options) and the short, appetising seasonal à la carte menu. Rustic and warm, as he himself defines it, the chef's cuisine is rooted in the local terroir. With real jus and pretty presentations, his dishes show a deft touch: cold courgette velouté and gravlax salmon; confit pork belly and seasonal vegetables. At lunchtime, a daily menu only is served.

In the heart of this charming medieval village in the Drôme Provençale, La Capitelle – the lovely, lilting name denotes a dry stone shelter used by shepherds and winegrowers – serves a small à la carte menu, plus a daily menu that is changed up regularly with the seasons. Traditional recipes are given a contemporary spin, and dishes are served in a pretty vaulted room with an imposing fireplace. In fine weather, the terrace commands views over the valley. They have a handful of guestrooms for overnight stays.

In this former farm the female chef creates seasonal dishes with a personal touch. In fine weather take advantage of the attractive terrace beneath the shade of the chestnut trees.