Between Drôme and Ardèche, this "Roman house" dedicated to senator Alethius has a distinct air of Provence. The villa is arranged around a square courtyard, a gorgeous verdant patio that you can sit out on in fine weather. Having worked for Jean-Michel Lorain at La Côte Saint-Jacques, Olivier Samin moved on to work for iconic chef Anne-Sophie Pic at the three-starred Maison Pic in Valence – where he was sous-chef for a long time. He delivers fresh and refined cuisine, in tune with the markets (regional fruits and vegetables, snails from the Eyrieux, local cheeses) and the seasons (one set menu is devoted to truffles in winter, another to lobster in summer), and with a tremendous sense of balance: precise cooking, light and airy veloutés and creams. Truly delicious.