3 Best Restaurants in Viviers, Lyon and the Alps

The décor may be unassuming but the food at this bistro-crêperie, conveniently set on the old town square, is delicious, ample, and well priced. French and Norman specialties run the gamut from a generous plate of steak tartare and salad to savory crêpes in classic combinations: cheese and mushroom or classic egg and ham, with plenty of sweet variations for dessert.

This is the place to go for a taste of the local bounty, with a focus on what's fresh, seasonal, and organic. A warm welcome is assured at this tiny restaurant, set in the vaulted wine cellar of a B&B, and the love of good products is evident in everything from the local wines to the simple, delicious dishes—quiches, salads, soups, cheese and artisanal charcuterie plates. At €10 and €12, the two-course lunch menus are an absolute steal. It's popular, so be sure to reserve in advance.

On a road toward the Roman bridge a quarter mile away, Viviers's major gastronomic restaurant serves a sophisticated seasonal menu of French classics without pretension or fuss. The bright, pleasant dining room opens onto a shady summer terrace that's delightful in warm weather. Dishes like mussels in leek compote, tuna served rare with roasted peppers and saucevierge, tender duck breast, and cold pea soup with cured ham and cracklings are a few of the excellent choices on a well-priced two- or three-course menu.