Hôtel Le Globe

(Temporarily closed) Julie and Sébastien Bonnet have settled in a pretty country village a few kilometres from Crest, their previous haunt. In an edifice dear to Sébastien’s heart (it was formerly the Demeure de Grane, a local institution where he carried out his apprenticeship), he enthusiastically demonstrates that both his talents and his seasonal fare, equally poised between surf and turf produce, are as enticing as ever. His spot-on, sophisticated, occasionally playful dishes are served in two cosily contemporary dining rooms. The splendid wine list, with Rhône wines in a prominent positi

(Temporarily closed) Len'K is the bistronomic wing of the Bonnet establishment. Seated on the terrace shaded by plane trees or in the dining room, diners are in for a treat as they tuck into guinea fowl and olive terrine, or stuffed red mullet paired with a velvety shellfish emulsion. Laid-back service.

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.

Set in a charming village, tucked away in a narrow street, this trendy bistro is accommodated in an attractive old house adopted by a well-travelled couple… They – she is the "artiste" and he the "cuisinier" (or cook) – invite us to sample their contemporary bistronomy cuisine in a friendly, pleasant setting. Following the seasons, their menu draws its bold flavours from the produce of local suppliers. On the restaurant floor, the service is efficient and the wine list is well explained. The bill is absolutely fair, and the cheerful terrace is a real bonus!

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.

Between Valence and Montélimar, this erstwhile village inn is continuing its vocation as an eatery thanks to a young couple who have turned it into a cosy and inviting bistro-style restaurant with a smattering of contemporary decorative touches. The food, too, is in a bistro vein – think simple, contemporary cuisine designed for the modern palate. The fillet of hake with citrus sauce, red cabbage and butternut takes no prisoners.