France is home to just 31 restaurants displaying three Michelin stars. Not that many, after all.

But how many of them also make the effort to run a more casual bistro alongside their flagship restaurant—one serving simpler, more accessible cuisine while remaining true to the very same DNA? I haven't looked up the numbers, but I'd be willing to bet the answer is: very few.

Anne-Sophie Pic is at the helm of this bistro, named after her grandfather, where beautiful seasonal ingredients take centre stage.

Now, don't get me wrong: nobody is trying to convince you that you're enjoying a three-star experience at bistro prices. But...

The menu is genuinely enticing. It strikes a lovely balance between tradition and modernity while remaining remarkably affordable. One standout dish was a beautiful mosaic of red mullet and foie gras, served with an outstanding, intensely flavoured bouillabaisse jelly.

The presentation is elegant, yet it never loses sight of what great bistro cooking should be: generous.

Service is polished and professional without ever feeling formal or pretentious. You feel at ease from the moment you arrive.

The wine list is available on request and offers plenty of opportunities to indulge, although the house selection alone has already been put together with great care.

The generosity and genuine passion for the craft that shine through every aspect of this place make it an essential stop in Valence.

Thank you, Madame Pic. It was a truly delightful experience.

André