Auberge de Clochemerle: Michelin-starred Lunch in Beaujolais

Auberge de Clochemerle, first courseHeaded to Lyon for a taste of some of the best food in the world? Pair an eating extravaganza with a visit to the Beaujolais vineyards, just 30 minutes outside of the ancient city. Though Beaujolais is mostly known for the merry-making fete in November when Beaujolais Nouveau- fresh from its short fermentation period- is quickly bottled and released for revelers all over the world, the vineyards actually produce 10 crus with a serious aging potential. Luxury Travel Advisor recently hit up the Beaujolais wine trail (tips on the various chateaux to be shared in the magazine’s August issue).

For lunch (or dinner) while vineyard-hopping, reserve a table at the Auberge de Clochemerle, recently awarded a Michelin star. Surrounded by the rolling hills, the auberge is run by young couple Delphine and Romain Barthe; he’s the chef and she—the granddaughter of Beaujolais wine-makers—is the sommelier. Romain devises the garden-fresh menu based on what’s in season at the market, and he sources plenty of local ingredients—like guinea fowl from Saint Georges-de-Reneins. There are various set menus: priced at 30, 45, and 65 euros. An absolute steal.

Part of the Chateaux & Hotels Collection, the Auberge is located in the picturesque town of Clochemerle, also known as Vaux en Beaujolais. It is open every day except for Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit http://www.aubergedeclochemerle.fr.

Photo: Langoustines in a foam made of local saffron