Wine Hotels in the Rhone Valley
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.
-
Villa Florentine Lyon 28 rooms from $245
Gourmet - Michelin starred restaurantCity StyleSwimming Pool - Lovely Outdoor PoolRestaurant - Recommended.Recommended by - Relais & ChateauxContemporary design and Italian Rennaisance in an attractive former convent. Romantic rooms with private terraces overlooking Lyon. A gourmet restaurant, beauty treatments, and swimming pool make it a relaxing spot to explore Lyon from. See More
-
Cour des Loges Vieux Lyon 61 rooms from $365
Foodies - Savour Chef Anthony Bonnet's creative culinary art at Les Loges, a Michelin-starred gem in Lyon's thriving sceneHoneymoons - Romance flourishes in this luxurious hideaway, blending Renaissance charm and gourmet dining in Lyon's heartGreat walks - Capture the essence of Lyon through a photography tour, perfect for both budding and experienced photographersKayaking - Experience the thrill of kayaking and canoeing, offering a unique perspective of Lyon from its waterwaysA recently-renovated 5-star treasure in enchanting Vieux Lyon. Its rooms, adorned with period furnishings, wooden beams and luxurious bathrooms, offer a romantic escape, while the Michelin-starred Les Loges is without compare. Complete with a serene spa, hidden gardens and attentive service. Superb. See More
-
Maison Pic Valence 16 rooms from $211
Cooking classes - Available at the hotelShort breakDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorLuxurious, contemporary hotel which is renowned for it's three Michelin Starred restaurant - headed by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Bedrooms are cool and sleek with designer pieces from Bruno Borrione. Enjoy the beautiful garden and outdoor swimming pool. A foodies delight. See More
-
Maison Felisa Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres 5 rooms from $145
Sights nearby - Easy access to Avignon, Orange, Nimes and the Gorges d'ArdecheWhirlpool Bathtub - Three rooms have two person in room whirlpool tubsRestrictions on children - Not suitable for babiesSwimming Pool - Outdoor poolRecommended by - I EscapeFantastic country house with a very relaxed atmosphere. Walled gardens, sunny swimming pool, shady terraces, and contemporary chic rooms. A real home from home, if home were in the South of France. See More
-
Château de Massillan Orange (Provence) 24 rooms from $235
Total relaxation - Unwind by the pool, surrounded with the aroma of lavender and the sound of cicadas — complete tranquilityFoodies - Spectacular modern french cuisine — the six course tasting menus and excellent wine never fail to wowHistoric - The chateau was originally a hunting lodge for Henry II and Diane de PoitierGreat walks - Walk right from the property through typical Provence countrysideRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, SawdaysA beautifully renovated chateau with turret bedrooms, parklands, and a lake. The large pool and elegant interiors perfectly marry modern decor with the historical property. The herbed gardens and lavender banks fill the air with a delicate aroma. Complete with some of the region's finest cuisine. See More
-
Justin de Provence Orange 5 rooms from $173
Artworks - The owner Isabelle spends her time in the art studio, crafting the sculptures that you see around the house and groundsCycling - Part of the "Accueil Vélo" network, this is a great stop off for cyclists and it also provides bike storage etc.Total relaxation - With two pools, no kids under 10, a small spa, and tranquil surrounds - this is ideal for a relaxing getawayCountry Escape - A traditional farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, the perfect spot for a rural hideawayIsabelle & Philippe, the owners of this wonderful Provençal farm, have thought of everything; from the enchanting rooms with the furniture sourced & restored by them personally, to the hot tub, hammam, café, and outdoor and indoor pools. Isabelle's sculptures decorate the 7 hectare grounds. See More
-
Château de Varenne Gard 11 rooms from $167
Sights nearby - A good base from which to visit Avignon, the Pont du Gard and Saint Rémy de ProvenceRestaurant - For lunch and dinner at the Château, groups are only received upon reservationSpa - Massage and beauty therapist on requestCooking classes - Cooking classes at the ChateauIn the heart of the provence countryside sits this charming hotel overlooking the Rhone Valley. Enjoy a stay in the lovely comfortable bedrooms, then fling open the pretty blue french shutters and revel in the view of the beautiful gardens and swimming pool. A picture perfect place in Provence. See More
-
Chateau Talaud Loriol du Comtat, Provence 5 rooms from $322
Wine tasting - The chateau is surrounded by its own vineyards. Chateauneuf du Pape and other famous labels are close bySwimming Pool - Two level bassin filled with spring water which dates back to 1772 and overlooks the vineyardsSelf catering to rent - There are two apartments within the chateau and one separate cottage which sleeps up to 5Historic - The property was originally the 18th century estate of the Marquis Grille d'Estoublon18th-century Provencal chateau turned luxury B&B. Five stylish bedrooms with period features and contemporary touches plus two apartments and a separate cottage for self-catering. Table d'Hote dinners are available during the summer months accompanied by wines made on site. See More
-
Domaine des Buis Albon, Rhône-Alpes 5 rooms from $106
Traditional - An 18th century house with Austro- English furnishings.Sights nearby - Historic monuments to explore in the village.Kayaking - Available locally.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Michelin TravelA traditional 18th century house in a charming village. Just five rooms, sleeping 3 each, some modern, some more traditional. Large living area and communal kitchen, pool and gardens. Excellent value for a family or a big group of friends. Low-key and laid back. See More
-
Les Florêts Vaison La Romaine (84190 Gigondas) 15 rooms from $89
Country Escape - An enchanting getaway — sip wine at the foot of the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail, surrounded by lush gardens and vineyardsWine tasting - Sample the wines produced on site by the owners, a thoroughly enjoyable way to pass an eveningLess £ - With rooms starting at just 80 Euros, this is a very reasonably priced Provence hideawayGreat walks - Over 300 km of marked hiking trails wind through lavender fields and vineyardsRecommended by - SawdaysA charming family-run hotel set amid vineyards, lush gardens and century-old trees. Rooms are elegant and light. Excellent local cuisine is served on a shaded terrace with wine from the hotel vineyard. Lounge by the pool and enjoy the panoramic views. The ideal Provence property. See More
-
Maison de la Pra Valence 4 rooms from $172
Great walks - The rivers Drome and Ardeche meet just a short walk from the hotelLocal markets - Visit the markets in the towns and villages of the areaSights nearby - 550 yards away from Valence CathedralViews - Great views from hotelStunning conversion of a 16th century mansion located in the historic centre of Valence. The rooms are spacious and airy, with smart modern, tiled bathrooms, whilst maintaining a rustic charm with exposed stonework and wooden beams. A chic base from which to exlore the area. See More
-
Le Clos Saint Saourde Beaumes de Venise, Provence 5 rooms from $240
Groups - Ideal for a group, with big shared kitchen areas, indoor and outdoor tables, and rooms built into the rock faceLocal exploring - Surrounded by the vineyards of Beaumes de Venise and with Avignon nearby, there is plenty to do locallyFull of character - With impossibly chic rooms built into the side of a rock — this place is packed full of characterHoneymoons - Lots of privacy and gorgeous rooms built into the cliff face — a romantic choice for a honeymoonRecommended by - I EscapeA striking hotel built into the rock face and surrounded by vineyards. Rustic chic rooms and cottages have wrought iron four-poster beds, day beds, large bathrooms, and sofas. An outdoor pool, terraces, and gardens. Extremely romantic, laid back, and boutique. Perfect for a romantic getaway. See More