Grignan, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is a jewel in the heart of the Drôme provençale. Its rich history, remarkable architectural heritage and beautiful scenery make it an unforgettable destination. © P. Blanc - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
Tour

Follow in the footsteps of R'el, Marcus and Clerkenwell Boy' from Provençal Drôme to Beaujolais

Routes : Grignan > Lyon 2e Arrondissement > Régnié-Durette
In the countryside
Tasting
Tour duration 4 days, 3 nights
TravelBy car

To be added

11 steps distributed over 4 days

Day 1

Grignan
Restaurant le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, the hidden jewel of Provence, comprises six different sites in the historical village of Grignan. As they approach the village, guests will find the Ferme Chapouton, the newest hotel offering a beautiful view of the castle and exceptional dining. With its old tile floor, fireplace and patio, the bistro restaurant fuses modernity and tradition and offers outstanding food at moderate prices (featured “Bib Gourmand” by Michelin). Other welcome features include the vaulted ceiling of the spacious lounge where breakfast is served and an original stone staircase leading to any of the nine rooms available. Guests can also dive into the heated pool hidden located behind the former rabbit house. The large and bright conference room (formerly the sheep stable) has room for up to 50 persons.

A short walk away is our second location: the private house. A noble stone staircase leads to the 19th-century rooms and suites where guests will find a shaded and cool respite on hot summer days. A few more steps bring you to the Historical House, opposite one of the most beautiful period washing basins of Provence. In the conservatory or in the dining room, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1* Michelin) cosigned menu by Glenn Viel*** offers a delectable cuisine, built around the freshest local produce. Spend the sweet afternoon hours on the patio, under the arbour or in the lounge, sipping a tea or enjoying cold refreshments. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the period kitchen where you can still hear the old clock ticking and chiming. The scent of natural wax and lavender lead to the ancient engravings of the timeless rooms on the upper floors where cozy comfort and modern service meet tradition and heritage. Here as everywhere, there are books to read.

In summer, a stroll through the Mediterranean garden is a must. There, guests will find a collection of aromatic plants, a natural swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant. Guests will also discover a beehive by the organic pond, rare rose bushes and small orchard of apple and pear trees. In the midst of this unique garden, the “lovers’ pavilion” offers unique accommodations for couples who want to experience a romantic night. Pull up a chaise longue and fall asleep in front of the village crowned with its castle... or dream next to lush fields of lavender.

A few cobbled streets away, on the village square, the shop sells delicacies, scents and traditions of Provence so guests can take with them a souvenir from their experience, and share with their loved ones the Clair de la Plume.
Details
Hôtel et restaurant - Le Clair de la Plume © Alain Maigre
2 min Walk
177 m
Hôtel Le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, the hidden jewel of Provence, comprises five different sites in the historical village of Grignan. As they approach the village, guests will find the Ferme Chapouton, the newest hotel offering a beautiful view of the castle and exceptional dining. With its old tile floor, fireplace and patio, the Bistro restaurant fuses modernity and tradition and offers outstanding food at moderate prices. Other welcome features include the vaulted ceiling of the spacious lounge where breakfast buffet with Champagne is served and an original stone staircase leading to any of the 13 rooms available. Guests can also dive into the heated pool hidden located behind the former rabbit house. The large and bright conference room (formerly the sheep stable) has room for up to 66 persons. The veranda restaurant welcoms 140 persons for meal and offers a wonderful view on the castle.

A short walk away is our second location: the Private House. A noble stone staircase leads to the 19th-century 6 rooms and suites where guests will find a shaded and cool respite on hot summer days. A few more steps bring you to the Historical House, opposite one of the most beautiful period washing basins of Provence. In the conservatory or in the dining room, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1* Michelin) withe cosigned menu by Glann Viel*** offers a delectable cuisine, built around the freshest local produce. Spend the sweet afternoon hours on the patio, under the arbour or in the lounge, sipping a tea or enjoying cold refreshments. A generous breakfast buffet with Champagne is served in the period kitchen where you can still hear the old clock ticking and chiming. The scent of natural wax and lavender lead to the ancient engravings of the 9 timeless rooms on the upper floors where cozy comfort and modern service meet tradition and heritage. Here as everywhere, there are books to read.

In summer, a stroll through the Mediterranean Garden is a must. There, guests will find a collection of aromatic plants, a natural swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant. Guests will also discover a beehive by the organic pond, rare rose bushes and small orchard of apple and pear trees. In the midst of this unique garden, the “lovers’ pavilion” offers unique accommodations for couples who want to experience a romantic night. Pull up a chaise longue and fall asleep in front of the village crowned with its castle... or dream next to lush fields of lavender.

A few cobbled streets away, on the village square, the shop sells delicacies, scents and traditions of Provence so guests can take with them a souvenir from their experience, and share with their loved ones the Clair de la Plume.
Details
Hôtel et Restaurant © Alain Maigre
6 min Walk
526 m

Day 2

Grignan > Lyon 2e Arrondissement
Grignan village

Perched in the heart of the Drôme Provençale, Grignan charms visitors with its rich heritage and enchanting natural setting. Dominated by a majestic Renaissance château, famous thanks to the Marquise de Sévigné, the village reveals narrow flower-lined streets, medieval remains and the superb collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur. The Jardin Sévigné, with its mini-labyrinth of plants, invites you to take a stroll, while the Grotte de Rochecourbière evokes the Marquise's literary inspirations. The Saint-Vincent chapel, embellished by contemporary art, bears witness to the dialogue between history and modernity. All around, the landscapes of lavender, vines and truffle fields offer an unforgettable sensory experience. Fountains, a covered wash-house and rose bushes punctuate the walks with elegance and poetry. Grignan is a destination where history, culture and nature blend harmoniously for an authentic and inspiring getaway.

Details
Grignan, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is a jewel in the heart of the Drôme provençale. Its rich history, remarkable architectural heritage and beautiful scenery make it an unforgettable destination. © P. Blanc - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
8 min Walk
386 m
Château de Grignan
In the heart of the Drome, part of Provence, built on a rocky hill, the chateau of Grignan dominates the landscape. An example of the Renaissance architecture and French classic style, the building has had an eventful story.
A fortified castle mentioned as early as the 11th century, it was transformed into a luxury residence by the Adhemar family at the Renaissance. In the 17th century, the Marquise of Sévigné visits her daughter Françoise-Marguerite, who had become countess of Grignan after her marriage. The letters of the marquise to her daughter will make her famous and contribute to the reputation of the chateau. Dismantled during the French revolution, then rebuilt in the 20th century by Marie Fontaine, it has been the property of the Drome Department since 1979, who has been leading ambitious renovation and acquisitions projects.
Listed as an Heritage Site in 1993 and with a Musée de France label, the chateau of Grignan offers a journey through the art of living in different centuries. The chateau organises every summer the theatrical Night Festival and hosts different cultural events all year long.
Details
Vue aérienne © Loïc JULIEN
25 min By car
21 km
Sumptuous picnic surrounded by lavender - L'Essentiel de Lavande
A refreshing change of scenery guaranteed! Come and venture off the beaten track as a family, with friends or as a couple, and treat yourselves to a getaway at the estate. From €17 per person.

Our favourite? The luxurious premium version for a relaxing experience as a couple. You'll be tasting truffles and champagne, with a breath-taking view of the Drôme Provençale hills.
Details
 © Anna Puig Rosado-L'Essentiel de Lavande
2 h By car
159 km
Epona Restaurant
One of Lyon's most historic buildings, with 800 years of history, the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital is being renovated under the supervision of Jean-Philippe Nuel, a world-leading designer of luxury hotels. He successfully blends grandness and intimacy, on both a human and monumental scale, with the beautiful spaces of this seventeenth-century building. The eighteenth-century architect Soufflot placed innovation at the heart of his approach, which is a source of creative inspiration for the Hôtel-Dieu in its new role.

Chef Mathieu Charrois offers a daily lunchtime menu at the Epona restaurant, featuring a set menu that varies according to his inspiration, seasonal availability, and the weather! With Epona, you can try something new every day.

The Chef and his team also offer two new specials:
- Epona Côté Jardin: As soon as spring arrives, Epona takes over its exceptional terrace in the historic Saint-Louis courtyard of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu for peaceful meals.
- Epona Côté Montagne: In winter, a cozy chalet is located in the Saint-Louis courtyard of the Epona restaurant. Chef Mathieu Charrois and Pastry Chef Vincent Thomassin offer delicious winter flavors for lunch and dinner with dishes such as traditional Alpine fondue, half-wheel raclette, farmhouse tartiflette on country bread accompanied by the best regional charcuterie, and Champsaur blueberry tart.

Every day from 4 p.m., the Pastry Chef also offers a sweet and gourmet break to share, consisting of tarts, pastries, cookies and even a delicious hot chocolate bar.
Details
 © Eric Cuvillier
InterContinental Lyon-Hotel Dieu
Located on the banks of the Rhône, the convivial living spaces of the InterContinental Lyon - Hôtel Dieu offers a rich experience, with:
- 114 rooms;
- 30 suites and duplexes, including a Presidential Suite with powder pink shades highlighted by silk and floral patterns. This suite looks out over the Grand Dôme, a monumental and majestic architectural feature;
- a club lounge;
- a restaurant with terrace in the garden;
- a bar in the Grand Dôme, a unique space and a symbol of the Hôtel-Dieu;
- a 1500 m² conference centre, with nine bright and spacious banquet and conference rooms, as well as a 426 m² plenary room. One of the nine conference rooms has been set up in TV studio.

One of Lyon's most historic buildings, with 800 years of history, the former Hôtel-Dieu hospital is being renovated under the supervision of Jean-Philippe Nuel, a world-leading designer of luxury hotels. He successfully blends grandness and intimacy, on both a human and monumental scale, with the beautiful spaces of this seventeenth-century building. The eighteenth-century architect Soufflot placed innovation at the heart of his approach, which is a source of creative inspiration for the Hôtel-Dieu in its new role.

L'InterContinental Lyon - Hôtel Dieu has the Green Key certification.
Details
Façade © Eric Cuvillier
17 min Walk
1.3 km

Day 3

Lyon 2e Arrondissement > Régnié-Durette
Fine Arts Museum
With 70 rooms covering 7,000 m², the Museum of Fine Arts in the Palais Saint Pierre is the largest Fine Arts museum in France after the Louvre. It contains sculptures and paintings from the 14th to the 20th century, collections of Egyptian art, oriental art, art objects, coins, etc. Madame Delubac left her collections to the museum in 1997.
The museum is ranked first among France's regional museums and fifth among France's museums.
It was created in 1803 in a former twelfth century Benedictine convent by François Royer de la Valfenière. After restoration works by Philippe-Charles Dubois, Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Gabriel Mortamet that began in 1989, the current museum was inaugurated in March 1998.
Thomas Blanchet (1614-1689) created the baroque statues in the Refectory and on the main stairway.

There is a tea room - restaurant with a pleasant terrace looking out onto the garden.
Details
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon © Corentin Mossière
32 min By car
25 km
Beurre Noisette Restaurant
After many years in gastronomic restaurants and brasseries, Pauline and Olivier are delighted to welcome you to their home!
Fresh, local produce on a short menu.
Full menu €21 weekdays, €32 weekends.
Details
 © DR
25 min By car
19 km
Food and wine pairing tour
In front of the majestic facade of Château de Champ-Renard, discover the history of the estate since its construction in 1250, and the extraordinary architecture of this ancient stronghold. Then plunge into the heart of the Château, through 8 centuries of history, with a visit to the old medieval rooms: the courtroom, the dungeon and the guardroom. Continue with a visit to the ageing cellar with its oak barrels, a stroll through the vines to discover the estate's different grape varieties, and visit the cuvage, with its traditional concrete vats and modern stainless steel tanks. We'll share our eco-responsible choices: integrated vine growing, organic conversion, biodiversity, agroforestry, permaculture, beehives, etc. and our winemaking philosophy.
Then enjoy the highlight of the tour, the discovery of the Château's prestigious salons, renovated in the 19th century.You'll have the privilege of admiring the salons decorated with works of art, antique and designer furniture, the wood-panelled room, the library and its antique books, the billiard room and the smoking room in the pointed tower.
A workshop on pairing 4 Domaine wines with Dufour mature cheeses will be held in the Château's salons.You'll taste two Chardonnay white wines and two Gamay and/or Gamaret red wines.
We'll explain the basics of wine tasting and how to match them to the different cheese families: bloomy-rind soft cheeses, cooked pressed cheeses, uncooked pressed cheeses, washed-rind soft cheeses, blue-veined cheeses, fromage frais, goat's milk cheeses, ewe's milk cheeses and vegetable cheeses.
This offer is part of the “Carnet de Route des Châteaux en Beaujolais”: from the second Château visited, enjoy exclusive advantages and privileges!
Details
 © Château de Champ-Renard
16 min By car
14 km
Hôtel**** Restaurant Villa Alexandre
An elegant setting in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards
Built in 1794 by Alexandre d'Aigueperse, this house of character was the holiday home of his Lyonnais descendants for seven generations. In 2018, its new owner undertook a complete renovation to give it a new lease of life.

In July 2021, Hôtel **** Villa Alexandre opened its doors in Régnié-Durette, in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards, just 1 hour 35 minutes from Paris by TGV and 40 minutes from Lyon.

Each room is unique and elegant, combining charm, comfort and refinement.

An exceptional restaurant, inspired cuisine
In our dining room, which opens onto the magnificent kitchen, enjoy an authentic and convivial gastronomic experience. The Chef brings out the best in local produce with seasonal dishes, accompanied by a refined selection of regional wines and spirits.

When the weather is fine, sit out on our bistro terrace and enjoy an exceptional moment overlooking the majestic panorama of the Alps and Mont Blanc. You can also take advantage of our heated swimming pool, nestling at the foot of a cedar several hundred years old, listed as a remarkable tree.

In the heart of 5,000 m² of parkland, let yourself be seduced by the soul of Villa Alexandre and contemplate the church with its two bell towers at Régnié-Durette, designed by Pierre Bossan, architect of the Fourvière basilica in Lyon.
Details
 © www.denisLaveur.com

Our favorites

Activities

Vue aérienne © Loïc JULIEN
day 2
Sites and historical monuments
 © Eric Cuvillier
day 2
Restaurants
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon © Corentin Mossière
day 3
Museums & attractions
 © DR
day 3
Map