Les Genêts de la Valdaine

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

This peaceful 16C château, restored to the highest standards, is the quintessence of Drôme provençale. From the terrace overlooking the grounds and lavender fields or in the cosy dining room with its vaulted ceiling and a fire crackling in the hearth, get ready to embark on a poetic culinary voyage inspired by regional delicacies. Each dish is carefully thought out and crafted to allow the ingredients to shout their name. Delightful welcome. Book one of the lovely rooms and stay longer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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