豪华游泳池别墅

The first thing to mention about Maison Pic (in the Drôme département of southeast France) is its special atmosphere. An artfully lit room designed to cast light on the dishes, floral creations, a thick carpet that muffles the steps of a front-of-house team dressed in classic attire. Here, they serve food the old-fashioned way, on a porcelain plate under a cloche. The lofty culinary obsessions of a chef who has been dubbed "the tightrope walker of flavours" – adulation of Japan, original presentations – make themselves felt in the dishes. Anne-Sophie Pic now serves a single set menu with seven

In the lower part of Valence, this hidden gem is the contemporary lair of Japanese chef Masashi Ijichi. He crafts a fine, delicate repertory, underscored by a succulent encounter between the Drôme region and inspired flashes of Asia. A few examples: pumpkin soup with sea urchin, avocado and prawn toast and an ethereal dessert of oranges, vanilla and walnuts. Outstanding wine list including a superb selection of northern Côtes du Rhône wines.

In the heart of historic Valence, Flaveurs has become Épithèque. In a colourful setting, depicted by a carpeted floor and chestnut wood tables, Baptiste Poinot aims to create closer ties with his diners and can often be found in the dining room. Influenced by his delicatessen grandfather, Poinot studied at Vienne Hospitality School, before learning the ropes with Michel Chabran, Anne-Sophie Pic and Joël Robuchon. This sensitive chef, who seeks above all to convey an emotion, crafts food that bears witness to the careful thought, excellent produce and consummate skill behind each dish.

Some establishments have chosen to shy away from media hype and les Cèdres is in that category. Betwixt Romans and Tain-l’Hermitage in Drôme, venture over the threshold of this restaurant, shaded by cedars and devoted to nature, and sample the work of the Bertrand brothers: Jacques in the kitchen and Jean-Paul in the dining room. Since 1988, they have lavished time, humility and talent on developing their enterprise. As Gallic as Gauloises and Jacques Tati, the menu focuses on flavour rather than fancy technique. The authentic warm welcome adds the final flourish to this hospitable establishme

It is worth going out of your way to come to this restaurant with a simple, welcoming decor and a wine bar atmosphere. At the helm, Breton chef Maxime Le Maux serves up an affordable lunch formule, plus a few well-thought-out daily specials. In the evening, a more elaborate set menu is added, along with tapas and platters for sharing. Ingredients are local and seasonal: Ardèche trout, vegetables from the Rhône Valley, sheep's cheese. The modern cuisine shows flashes of inventiveness, as is the case with the chef's wonderful take on carbonara, featuring white and green asparagus – as original a

The menu at this small restaurant with a modern interior makes your mouth water in anticipation of the hearty, unpretentious dishes and the house speciality, pâté en croûte, made with different ingredients as the seasons change. In the kitchen, a couple is at work, preparing delicious cuisine that highlights local produce such as Ardèche trout. The desserts are particularly meticulous – poached pear with mulled wine, vanilla and speculoos trifle, pear sorbet. The terrific wine list (600 labels) includes a judicious choice of wines by the glass.

Flowers and colours abound in this smart bistro, both in the decor (floral wallpaper, varnished porcelain knick-knacks), and on the plate: marinated and grilled king prawns, aioli, bisque gel; roasted cod, lemon-parsnip cream, mussels, fennel salad. Blending influences from around the world, this delicious cuisine in tune with the spirit of the times is delivered by a couple of industry professionals – themselves the offspring of restaurant owners – who work in tandem. French classics beloved by winegrowers and meats for sharing cooked on the charcoal grill.