LE CLAIR DE LA PLUME

The most amazing experience, beautiful hotel with lovely French decor and wonderful staff. We stayed in the main house over looking the garden. We were even provided complimentary coffee and croissants when leaving as we didn’t have time for breakfast. Dinner in the bistro was superb. Highly recommend

This hotel is situated in the medieval hill top village of Grignan. The village attracts tourists but they are mainly French. There are sufficient locals around to maintain a traditional French way of life. The hotel rooms are split onto 3 sites which all have advantages and disadvantages. They are within 400m of each other which is not a problem if the weather is good. There is also a locked car park, again about 200m from all the sites. This is secure in as far as it would be impossible to steal your car but can easily be accessed by climbing over the wall. We stayed in the Main House which contains the Restaurant Gastronomique (also breakfast served there) and has a pretty terrace which is very private where you can sit outside although I did not see any facility to have drinks served. There is also a fairly non-descript sitting room which leads onto the dining room in a replica 19th century conservatory. There is a reception and the usual ubiquitous gift shop. All the staff from managers, waiters, chamber maids are extremely polite and usually speak English. Indeed service was exceptional. The Main House is within a few steps of the village centre. Our room in the Main House was on the 1st floor overlooking the terrace with also good views of the chateau. It was large and comfortable with a double bed and spacious rustic en suite with bath. Furniture was heavy dark wood traditional French design and we even had a chaise longue. We found the room perfect for not only sleeping but also relaxing during the day. The cost was €164/night which is good value. Breakfasts are rather expensive at €25 but it is worth having one to see and sample the amazing display of traditional produce in the atmospheric kitchen buffet. There are also other cafes around the village for a cheaper, simpler, breakfast. We tried the tasting menu at the Michelin starred Restaurant Gastronomique. It was, of course, perfect but very expensive. The chef produced amazing dishes from a single carrot or asparagus as well as meat. The menu changes and I felt it was a unique experience. However the restaurant is not open every night so phone up to check as the website may not be accurate. Finding the reception of the Main Hotel can be challenging as the signage in the village is small and discrete. Indeed the village roads are very narrow so if you take a wrong turning you will easily get lost. You need to approach the village from the west along the D4. At the junction where the road to the centre narrows considerable turn right onto All. du 11 Novembre and then immediately left onto Pl. du Mail. Drive to the end through the bollards that should be down to allow traffic and park near the stone gazebo and fountain. The hotel is on the left. On Tuesdays Pl. du Mail may be inaccessible due to the market so best stopping where convenient and telephoning the hotel reception. Three nights here will provide a relaxing time with a chance to see everything

A character hotel in a charming village. Room was pleasant and quiet but accessed by a outside stone staircase which we were not made aware of beforehand. Restaurant closed on Mondays so we ate in the hotel’s bistro which was perfectly acceptable. Private car parking available a short walk away.