LE CLAIR DE LA PLUME
Charming village B&B in a historic hillside setting
SET IN THE HEART OF hilltop Grignan,
in the heart of lavender and truffle country, Le Clair de la Plume is just the kind of place you hope to stumble on in the village backwaters of France. This little provençal gem has the prettiest setting as well as a tearoom serving fresh patisserie and savouries.
Choose a spot among the roses in the sheltered, leafy gardens to nibble on delectable pastries and quiches, taste locally-made icecreams or sip an assortment of teas and infusions. There’s even a little shop where you can
snap up hand-made biscuits, local soaps, lavender and bath bubbles to take home.
Le Clair de la Plume's whimsically named rooms (Théo, Manon, Ecritoire) are decorated with a mix of antique and modern pieces, period oil paintings and rich fabrics. All are different. Don’t expect in-room internet and dozens of TV channels here – these quarters are are
designed for bedtime and tranquillity. We loved the bigger "Plume" class rooms, with their pleasing colours and outlooks.
Hit the Spot
Next to the colonnaded village fountain in Grignan, south of Montélimar.
Bedtime
We loved the light and airy Ecritoire room, with its high windows and views.
Be Savvy
There’s no pool at the moment, but coming in summer is a mediterranean garden with pool and bar.
Be Smitten
Charm aplenty – and patisserie too.
Truffle stores and vineyards
This small privately-run B&B in historic Grignan – built by the step son of the Marquise de Sévigné to house monks, and later a truffle store –
snuggles at the foot of the imposing Château de Grignan, which dates back to the 12th century Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and truffle groves, the village hosts a yearly festival as well as numerous concerts and night markets.
Breakfast at le Clair de la Plume is served outside, or in the vaulted kitchens, and there are
ten restaurants within walking distance – so take your pick at night. Friendly staff with plenty of local knowledge will be happy to advise.
Le Clair de la Plume was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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RELAXATION PACKAGE AT CLAIR DE LA PLUME
Relax and recharge at Clair de la Plume.
Stay at Clair de la Plume in pretty Grignon where two people can indulge in a beauty or reflexology treatment at Grignon Beauty Institute, as well as relaxing with a scented candle, massage oil and essential oil bubble bath in a double room. The price includes either a lunch or dinner at le Poème restaurant. Prices start from EUR 360.
*Quote "Relaxation package" in the message box of our Booking Inquiry form
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Dining in
Delicious patisserie, icecreams and savouries are on offer in the downstairs tearoom.
Dining out
You’re spoilt for choice here, with some excellent restaurants within a short walk of the front door. Manoir de la Roseraie, L’eau à la Bouche and Le Côté Patio are all traditional and welcoming. Closest of all is Le Poème, an easy 200m stroll from your room. It serves elegant French cuisine and you can expect to sample some of chef Hervé Dodane’s specialities, including
foie gras frais aux figues, pigeon farci aux truffes and assiette gourmande.
Where?
Le Clair de la Plume
What’s cooking?
De-lish pastries, quiches and croissants in the salon de thé – plenty to keep you going till supper time
Dress the part
Relax, you're on holiday
Top table?
Out in the garden
See & Do
This is a lovely part of Provence. Visit Grignan castle for your culture fix, the typographic museum for interest, and a local vineyard or olive mill because you really want to. Horse riding is also big in the area.
Shop
High-street chains are a million miles away from this little sanctuary of relaxation. Buy local truffles in season, and stock up on provençal wines, olives and pottery to take home.
Spa
Book a Californian massage with organic essential oils in your room or in town.
After dark
Take a walk through the narrow streets and sneak into a little bar for a late-night
digestif.
Dates
January
Come for the truffle market and olive picking at Nyons.
November
Jazz concerts in the castle will liven up the coolest autumnal nights.
GETTING THERE
Location
Place du Mail, 26230 Grignan
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Montelimar station – 20 minutes by car
Taxis
EUR 50 from Montelimar station
Airport
Avignon – one and a half hours, or Nîmes
Rooms and suites
12 rooms, three suites
Special features
Expect big beds, provençal decor, LCD TVs and wi-fi.
Also…
Look out for the fresh roses in your room.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 98 - 170
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10.30am
Room service
Yes, breakfast only
Children
No restrictions
Pets
Welcome for an extra EUR 7 per night
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
French, English
Wedding license?
Yes – for up to 40 guests
Eco conscience
There's eco-friendly air conditioning and heating
Your contact
Jean-Luc Valadeau – General manager