In Jungle Hôtel

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.

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

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.

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

Eugénie Brazier (1895-1977), an exceptional chef who inspired an entire branch of French cuisine, obtained three stars in two different establishments. It is in her Lyon restaurant, on rue Royale, that Mathieu Viannay gives his take on the Brazier "legend". In a magnificent hybrid decor, 1930s stained glass windows and mouldings are blended with Saarinen Tulip chairs (a bold design move!) and the chef pays a vibrant tribute to the iconic dishes once served on the premises (Bresse chicken with truffles, crispy pike bread, a stunning Grand Marnier soufflé), infusing them with his talent and nove

One cannot help but be impressed by the trajectory of Takao Takano's career. Originally from Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, he quickly dropped his law studies to devote himself body and soul to his real passion: cooking. Since 2013, he has been plying his trade in this elegant, pared-back restaurant located in the 6th district of Lyon. It has been a hit with diners since day one thanks to original, deftly crafted dishes, which delight and surprise at the same time. They certainly fulfil the chef’s pledge to himself: "Keep it simple – keep it good". Let's linger for a moment over the quickly sear