Le Clair de la Plume
One Michelin Key
Check Availability & Prices
Find the best rates for Le Clair de la Plume.
Check Availability on Booking.comView the official listing on the MICHELIN Guide.
Hotel Details
Explore More Hotels
Expert Review: Le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, Grignan, France: A Comprehensive Review
Le Clair de la Plume, a Michelin One-Key property nestled in the historic village of Grignan, offers guests a charming and immersive Provençal experience. This 4-star hotel, spread across several unique buildings, consistently receives high praise for its idyllic setting, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional culinary offerings.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Le Clair de la Plume is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "wonderful magic place" and an "exquisite" experience. On platforms like TheFork, the restaurant boasts an "Excellent" rating of 9.7 out of 10, with high scores for food (9.8), service (9.6), and atmosphere (9.6). Similarly, on KAYAK, it scores 10 out of 10 for location and 9.5 for service. The hotel is recognized by the Michelin Guide for offering a "singular stay".
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Le Clair de la Plume. Its location at the entrance of medieval Grignan, with beautiful surroundings and fragrant gardens, is a major draw. The charming atmosphere and Provençal style, along with the beautiful village setting, are frequently mentioned. Attentive service and the overall ambiance contribute to a refined and elegant experience. The hotel also features an organic Mediterranean garden with a chemical-free outdoor pool, as well as a second heated pool at the farm. The hotel comprises various sites, including a main house, a private house, a contemporary-designed Ferme Chapouton, and a secluded Pavillon des Amoureux, each offering a distinct ambiance.
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at Le Clair de la Plume are described as classic in style yet modern in comfort, with each being unique. Guests have praised the rooms for being "large and well-furnished with a nice outlook". They are often "beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean," featuring air conditioning, 19th-century furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with bathrobes, hairdryers, and slippers. Some rooms offer garden views. However, some past guests have noted issues with soundproofing in the main building and, in isolated cases, found mattresses to be very hard or pillows unsatisfactory. The hotel's historic nature means rooms are not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
4. Dining Experience
Dining is a significant highlight at Le Clair de la Plume, which features a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant, a bistro, and a wine bar.
- Gastronomic Restaurant: Awarded one Michelin star and a Green Star for sustainable gastronomy, the restaurant offers "high quality cooking" with a menu co-signed by three-star Chef Glenn Viel, Chef de Cuisine Benjamin Reilhes, and Pastry Chef Cédric Perret. The cuisine focuses on delicate, creative dishes based on fresh, local, seasonal produce, with 95% sourced from within 70km. Guests describe the food as "exceptional" and "unforgettable," with surprising flavor combinations. Tasting menus range from €110 to €195.
- Breakfast: The breakfast is consistently lauded as "fabulous" and "incredible," with a wonderful range of options served in a beautiful area, such as the original kitchen or on the terrace. It includes a buffet with cereals, fresh fruits, juices, jams, honeys, cheeses, homemade compotes, yogurts, various breads, pastries, and even Champagne.
- Bistro La Ferme Chapouton: This bistro offers traditional French cuisine with a view of the village and château, focusing on fresh, seasonal, local produce at moderate prices. It has also been featured as a "Bib Gourmand" by Michelin.
5. Service & Staff
Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the friendly and attentive nature of the team. Staff are described as helpful and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant stay. Reviews mention "impeccable service" and a "very friendly (not stuffy!) service". One guest specifically thanked a front desk clerk for being very helpful.
6. Location & Accessibility
Le Clair de la Plume boasts a superb and central location in the historic village of Grignan, at the foot of the famous château. Guests appreciate the "beautiful, rustic setting" and the opportunity for pleasant strolls in the surroundings. The hotel is spread across several easily walkable sites within the village. It is an ideal base for exploring nearby vineyards and lavender fields. While pets are allowed on request (with a supplement), it's important to note that the historic nature of the buildings means the rooms are not accessible for people with reduced mobility. Private parking is available 300 meters from the main building, and bicycle rentals are offered.
7. Value & Pricing
Pricing for Le Clair de la Plume can be considered high, with average weeknight rates around $395 and weekend nights around $205, though rates can start from $132. Low season (August) can see a 41% drop in price, while high season (June) can see a 14% rise. Room rates range from 149 to 315 EUR, and suites from 395 to 495 EUR. While some guests feel the pricing, particularly for breakfast and room amenities, can be high for the value received, many find the overall experience and quality to be well worth the cost, praising its unique charm and exceptional offerings. The gastronomic restaurant's menus also reflect fine dining pricing, starting at €110.
8. Common Complaints
While generally highly rated, a few recurring criticisms have been noted. Some guests have found the soundproofing in the main building to be less than ideal. There have been isolated comments regarding very hard mattresses or unsatisfactory pillows. One past review mentioned initial confusion with the restaurant menu options and service that was not "very well coordinated". In some instances, guests have expressed that the pricing, especially for breakfast, felt high.
Sources
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
