Founded
by Sophie Pic almost a century ago, this
renowned restaurant-with-villa rooms (Relais
& Chateaux) continues to delight Guide
readers. It lies in a shady garden on
the edge of a sizeable Rhone valley town.
Sophie's grandson, the late Jacques Pic,
was one of the great masters of modern
French cuisine. Now his daughter, Anne-Sophie,
as chef, continues the tradition of this
gourmand dynasty with her husband, David
Sinapian, as director, winning two Michelin
stars, 16 Gault Millau points for, eg,
loup au caviar; cochon de lait avec tian
de fruits (prepared in a kitchen visible
through a glass door). Dinner was brilliant,
inventive, beautifully served in an attractive
room, one couple wrote. Anne and David,
both very much in evidence, were delightful;
both speak good English.' Others admired
the warm and generous ambience, the excellent
service and the superb wines. The new
villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), finely decorated, are comfortable,
practical and quiet, very good for a short
stay. Each has a marble bathroom; many
have a balcony overlooking a courtyard,
where meals are served. Bali villa breakfast, which
comes with a bottle of mare, is also praised.
Across the.garden the family has a second,
simpler restaurant, Lauberge du Pin, with
rustic cuisine.