La petite plaine

Nestling at the foot of a château that is famous for having welcomed Madame de Sévigné as a regular patron, this restaurant is the perfect embodiment of Provence's twin traditions of hospitality and good food: olive oil from Nyons, guinea fowl and diced vegetables from the Drôme are judiciously showcased by chef Benjamin Reilhes in the form of three tasting menus comprising several courses. One of the set menus draws entirely on plants. This restaurant is an ode to the Mediterranean's fine ingredients and Rhône Valley wines. Pastry chef Cédric Perret, meanwhile, creates desserts in harmony wit

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 villa in Drôme Provençale houses a spacious, simply furnished restaurant. The rotunda section has large bay windows looking onto a terrace, which is a delightful spot in summer. In the kitchen, the chef ensures a smooth transition with modern dishes that honour past traditions. The menu is based on seasonal produce and local ingredients: Ventoux pork, Ardèche bacon, cod au gratin with aioli, flavoursome beef cheek confit with red wine and corn espuma. In the evening, there is a choice of two set menus, with each dish also available à la carte. Indulgent desserts and comfortable guestrooms

In the heart of the “truffle capital”, O’Rabasse sings an ode to good food that respects traditions. Everything is made from scratch by the chef, with the help of local suppliers and in line with the seasons. A truly pleasant meal, further enhanced by smiling, professional service.

The second offshoot of Le Clair de la Plume, the nearby parent establishment, occupies a stunning 18C edifice set in fragrant, flower-decked gardens. Fresh, seasonal produce are the stars of the bistro lineup: homemade terrine of foie gras and Ardèche pork; poultry from the Blaches farm and, to finish, a selection of wickedly appetising home-made pastries. The spacious, covered terrace commands a matchless view of Grignan Castle in the distance and the treelined, walled garden in the foreground.

This stone-built house, dating back to the 18C but with a contemporary decor, invites you to slow down and enjoy life, especially on its shaded terrace. The chef and his wife have the laws of hospitality down to a T. On the menu: the generosity of Provence, with vegetables grown by the father-in-law, in season; aioli on Friday lunchtime in summer, and a set menu dedicated to truffles in winter.

After a long and rewarding career, chef Guy Jullien continues to craft a culinary score that is unabashedly devoted to uplifting, traditional nosh with proper French overtones: foie gras flan and cream of truffle soup, fattened Bresse hen with truffles, roast rack of lamb in thyme, vanilla-raspberry ice cream vacherin… without forgetting a lineup of head-spinning truffle menus. As Gallic as La Marseillaise, the flavours are gutsy and big boned, to be savoured on the peaceful terrace in the shade of the trees in fine weather. The wine cellar is a treasure trove of regional gems. Authenticity an