Where to Stay and Eat in the Rhône-Alpes

The best restaurants and hotels in the region, plus some hidden secrets only the locals know about

Related articles: Beyond the Mountains in the Rhône-Alpes
Things to See and Do in the Rhône-Alpes

TOP HOTEL-RESTAURANTS

Maison Pic

“A sheltered cocoon, intimate and cosy” is how Anne-Sophie Pic, France’s only female three-Michelin-starred chef, describes her restaurant in Valence. “It’s where my heart beats and my cooking continues to develop day by day.” And after you’ve enjoyed the menus – which feature oysters, squab, langoustine and lobster, depending on whether you choose the €170, €250 or €330 options – you can stay in the accompanying hotel. www.anne-sophie-pic.com

Le Clair de la Plume

A 13×5 metre organic swimming pool and the gorgeous Mediterranean garden that surrounds it are the unique selling points of this hotel-restaurant in Grignan. Water filtration through gravel, sand and plants ensure that no chemicals are needed. clairplume.com

Flocons de Sel

This three-Michelin star restaurant in Megève is this run by chef Emmanuel Renaut, who claims to create cuisine “with an equal measurement of subtlety and inventiveness”. NB: it’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can also stay in the accompanying apartments and chalets. www.floconsdesel.com

Hôtel Ermitage

The four-star hotel in Évian-les-Bains offers views across Lac Léman. The Ermitage has a restaurant, brasserie, two bars, a swimming pool and a spa. www.hotel-ermitage-evian.com

TOP RESTAURANTS

Le Belvédère

Gaze across the Lac du Bourget, just as Queen Victoria did when she came to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte in 1887. Menus at €26 and €34.50. www.belvedere-la-chambotte.com

L’Ancienne Auberge

74-year-old Georges Blanc and his three Michelin stars liven up this restaurant in Vonnas. The legendary chef has also bought many of the houses in the surrounding village to create his very own village gourmand. www.georgesblanc.com

Likoké

This restaurant in Les Vans derives its name from its Belgian chef Piet Huysentruyt’s father, who had this nickname when he lived in colonial Congo. Menus from five courses for €85 to the full nine courses for €169. www.likoke.fr/en/menu

Café des Fédérations

With so many bouchon restaurants in Lyon to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to go on your first visit. You won’t go wrong with this one on rue Major Martin. Expect the best of typical Lyonnais fare in all its glory. restaurant-cafedesfederations-lyon.com

TOP HOTELS

Petit Hôtel Confidentiel

One of the rooms at Chambéry’s five-star hotel has a jacuzzi on the terrace – perfect for snowy, winter nights – while one of the family rooms has 82 square metres of living space. www.petithotelconfidentiel.com

Hôtel Le Griffon d’Or

This Bourg-en-Bresse establishment used to be a coaching inn. Now, thanks to a gorgeous makeover, it’s a boutique hotel. Jacuzzi, sauna, billiard table, library and a swimming pool down in the old wine cellar, it has it all. www.hotelgriffondor.fr

OTHER ACCOMMODATION

Chambres d’hôtes are France’s B&Bs and some, like the Villa Roassieux in Saint-Étienne, are very luxurious indeed. Here you’ll find superb bedrooms and dinner for €25. villaroassieux.fr

Camping de Chanaz

Sleep right beside the Canal de Savières in Savoie in one of the Ilots de Chanaz wooden cabins. Prices range from €395 for a week in low season to €795 in high season. www.campingdechanaz.com

Domaine de la Dombes

At this campsite in the Ain you can either sleep in one of the lakeside wooden houses or up above the lake in one of the treehouses. There’s room for six people in the larger treehouses. domainedeladombes.com

Prehistoric Lodge

In Vallon-Pont-d’Arc you can enjoy an African glamping experience at Prehistoric Lodge, right on the Ardèche river. They’ll even organise a barbecue for you on the river beach. www.prehistoric-lodge.com

From France Today magazine