Running from the foodie superstar-city of Lyon through to the northern reaches of Provence, the Rhône valley contains some of France’s oldest vineyards. Covering such a long stretch of country means that the wine hotels in the Rhone valley are similarly scattered across a wide area. One of the nicest ways to enjoy the area is to take a leisurely drive between them.
Between Vienne and Valence you’ll find appellations such as Côte Rotie, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Further south, as you slip into Provence, the large village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape - named after the summer palace of the Avignon popes - gives its name to the biggest appellation in the southern Rhône.
Its rich red wines, redolent of the south’s heat and herbs, are made from several grape varieties, predominantly Grenache, syrah and Mourvèdre. Also in the south are the vineyards of the Côtes de Rhône Villages.
Rhone valley wine hotels for foodies
Lyon boasts a cornucopia of cooking hot-spots. For our pick of wine hotels in the Rhone Valley for foodies, we’ve chosen two hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants so you don’t have to walk far for supper.
Lyon
- Villa Florentine, a former convent converted with panache which also has an infinity pool;
- and Cour des Loges, a sumptuous mini-palace with courtyard dining room, spa and rooftop garden.
Further south
- in Valence, food-lovers will make a beeline for Maison Pic, the sleek designer hotel where chef Anne-Sophie Pic heads its three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Rhône valley wine hotels for romance and relaxation
- Close to Bollène, Château de Massillan is a romantic château with elegantly cool interiors, covered terrace, large pool and turret bedrooms.
- Staying at Maison Felisa, near Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, is like being invited to the country house of a friend who has effortless contemporary taste. Rooms are chic, the atmosphere relaxed, and terraces and quiet garden corners abound.
- Indoor and outdoor pools, a hamman and a Jacuzzi are just some of the things that make Justin de Provence, a converted Provencal farmhouse, a place where you will totally switch off. Rooms are a mix of rustic and vintage, much restored by the artist owners.
Rhône valley wine hotels for château-lovers
- Château de Varenne, near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is all picture-perfect blue shutters, pale stone and secret terraces. Rooms have a pretty Provencal feel plus there are idyllic gardens, a pool and wine tours.
- In the same region, and surrounded by its own vineyards, Château Talaud has five vast and luxurious, antique-strewn rooms. Windows overlook manicured gardens which contain two 18th-century spring-water filled pools. Dinners are served in the summer months and there are several self-catering properties if you prefer.
Rhône Valley wine hotels for good value
It's not all top notch, luxury chateaux here. There are plenty of options amongst our selection of wine hotels in the Rhone Valley to suit all tastes and budgets.
- In the charming village of Albon, Domaine des Buis is a relaxed, traditional townhouse with just five rooms and a quiet pool amidst gardens. Breakfast is provided and you can rustle up your own suppers.
- Jacques and Laurence Deschamps are partly responsible for the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Piolenc’s Auberge de l’Orangerie, a simple, cosy inn of rough stone walls and terracotta floors. The vaulted dining room serves up excellent food, plus there are wine-tasting opportunities.
- Les Florêts, set amongst the hotel’s own vineyards near Gigondas, is a family-run hotel with pool, stunning views and a terrace dining room.
Unusual Rhône valley wine hotels
- Maison de la Pra, in Valence, is an imaginative conversion of a 16th-century mansion where exposed stone and rafters combine with striking colours and contemporary lighting.
- To the east of the Rhône, in the Dentelles de Montmirail, near Beaumes-de-Venise, and high above vineyards, Le Clos Saint Saourde is a striking hotel that has been built into the rock face. Expect rustic-chic rooms with plenty of exposed stone and open rafters.
The charm and attraction of this region’s wines are their sheer variety. And the wine hotels of the Rhone valley reflect this in spades. Nothing here that fits the bill? Check out our ultimate guide to wine hotels in France for a full selection. Alternatively call or email a friendly guru for advice.
