The Place
This ticks most of our boxes. The hotel stretches across 80 hectares of the Vaucluse, among Gigondas vineyards at the foot of the Dentelles de Monmirail. Expect delightful views of a narrow valley, looking out over hills and vineyards. It has been in the hands of the Bernard family for four generations, and dates back to 18thC.
Apart from the charming location, the outdoor pool on a terrace is probably the hotel’s centrepiece. Before taking the plunge, settle into a pool-side chair and absorb the versatile wine list in anticipation of dinner. Some of the wines are made on the property and of course the majority are from the Gigondas appellation.
The menu is short but impressive, featuring local produce, such as Sarrians pigeon and Carpentras strawberries. In good weather, lunch and dinner are served on the hotel’s flowery terrace shaded by chestnut and plane trees. During the cold months, dinner is served in the restaurant, with its green tapestry and panelled ceiling.
Bedrooms are spacious and elegant, with rustic wooden furniture, vintage lamp stands and some colourful elements, such as pillows and wall panelling.
Les Florets is off the A7 motorway, 130 miles south of Lyon, making an ideal stopover on the way north or south to and from the Channel ports.