Crowned by a Renaissance-era castle, Grignan is an arrestingly pretty hilltop village. With roots dating back to the 11th Century, this is an appealing destination for history and culture buffs, as well as admirers of the verdant landscapes of rural Provence. Accommodation options include restored farmhouses and charming converted village homes, well-suited to visiting couples, friends or families. The best places to stay in Grignan also boast excellent bistros — and one has a Michelin-starred restaurant of its own!

Admire the Château de Grignan, step into the 17th-century belfry with its communal bread oven at the citadel, or amble along the remains of the almost 1000-year-old ramparts. Built into the cliff face, Saint-Sauveur College Church is a marvellous architectural attraction, and often hosts great organ recitals. Visit the Museum of Typography, pop into small boutiques and pick a perch in a quiet café for a flavoursome lunch or aperitif.

You’ll also find fields aglow with lavender — and distilleries for the making of lavender oil — as well as fruit orchards and an abundance of roses. Grignan itself blooms with over 150 varieties of roses, much-loved by keen gardeners and botanists. For a more active day out, consider hiking, horse riding, river rafting or mountain biking, followed by a refreshing dip in the pool at one of the best places to stay in Grignan upon your return.

The Best Places to Stay in Grignan

For Families

• La Ferme Chapouton offers interconnecting rooms in a 1760s farmhouse with leafy gardens just outside of Grignan. Pick this place for a fun family holiday, complete with a swimming pool and award-winning bistro. Friendly, small and relaxed.

For an Unusual Hideaway

• Le Clair de la Plume has 29 rooms and suites tucked in four locations within the village. Interiors are characterful and traditional, with beamed ceilings, antique furnishings and embroidered textiles. There's a natural swimming pool for cooling dips, and a great bistro. The Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant (closed on Mondays) is the stuff of foodie dreams. An unusual gem.

FOR A HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Avignon-Caumont Airport, an hour's drive away, or take the TGV from Paris to Montélimar, and a 30-minute bus or taxi to Grignan from there.
• Provence is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, Provence is blessed with a near-Mediterranean climate. Expect hot summers — with temperatures of 26-30°C — and mild winters. Summer visitors can marvel at the famous Provençal lavender, whilst springtime travellers will find mild, sunny weather suitable for active explorations and quieter hotels.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Orange.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Provence.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.