Maison Chabran was established in 1935 by the parents of celebrity chef Michel Chabran, with the business starting out as a roadside bistro before slowly expanding over the decades. Michel's culinary journey began right then and there, as his family's legacy became tied to the business. At the age of 15, he enrolled in a culinary and hospitality school, his goal being to inherit the hotel & restaurant instead of letting it be sold. He achieved this a decade later, becoming the owner of Maison Chabran when he was 25 years old.

With the success of his business, he expanded the property itself and opened more restaurants in the nearby city of Valence. In 1977, his efforts would be rewarded with his first Michelin Star, further boosting the popularity of Maison Chabran. The late 80s to early 90s were a rollercoaster for him, as he was awarded his second Michelin Star in 1985 but would lose it in 1989. Refocusing his efforts, he would win it back not long after in 1991.

After working so hard for decades, Michel finally let himself relax when he passed down the hotel and its restaurants to his children, Louis and Carole. Louis Chabran himself is a diligent and inspired culinarian, striving to achieve his own merits, as his father did years ago. Meanwhile, Carole Chabran would focus more on the management side of things, handling the catering and communications.

Design and Architecture

As a hotel, Maison Chabran is careful yet decisive when it comes to expanding. Starting with only 9 rooms, they expanded to 24 units due to the rising tourism in the region. The main building is said to be over a hundred years old, and hints of its original interior architecture can be found in rooms with bare timbers and beams still hanging on the walls and ceilings. But as a whole, the aesthetics of Maison Chabran leans toward the modern. Furnishings are sleek and stylish, going for a classy contemporary design with vintage touches.

A new set of renovations began in June 2024, with part of it focused on providing much better accessibility for guests. It is set to finish in the middle of 2025, sometime in the end of May.

Maison Chabran consists of five restaurants, and two are located on the hotel's property. Led by the father and son duo of chefs Michel and Louis Chabran, guests are certainly in for a treat wherever of the restaurants they choose to dine. Whether you're looking for innovative new cuisine with bold and distinct flavors or familiar and comforting traditional dishes, you'll find exactly what you need at Maison Chabran's signature restaurants.

Le 45ème

Offering bistronomic cuisine, Le 45ème focuses on regional flavors that represent Pont-de-lʼIsère and Drôme. Try their signature French tapas, which come in a variety of meats, or go for their seasonal items such as amberjack and monkfish dishes.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (Lunch); 7 pm - 9:30 pm (Dinner)

La Grande Table

Featuring exceptional food in a warm and welcoming setting, La Grande Table is a legacy restaurant where the Chabran family has practiced their culinary craft for decades. Each dish is a product of tradition, yet enhanced and improved by developments in modern cuisine. They make use of popular ingredients such as asparagus, lamb, and duck, cooked in diverse ways that bring out their best flavors.

Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the hotel's official website.

Maison Chabran's reputation as a bespoke venue has long since been cultivated by its proprietors. All the restaurants of Maison Chabran are available for privatization, providing couples a slew of wonderful options for their destination wedding. You can reach out to them via their official website if you'd like to get a quotation. For couples who would like to hold a traditional ceremony, there are several historic churches in the area, particularly in Valence. Be sure to collaborate with Maison Chabran's management, as they may be able to refer you to a local wedding planner.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Pont-de-lʼIsère is an idyllic commune that's perfect for travelers looking to relax and take things easy, especially with the abundance of amazing cuisine at Maison Chabran's restaurants. That said, the town is also a great base point for discovering what the region has to offer. Situated between the rivers Isère and Rhône, there will be plenty of places for riverside picnics, as well as watersports like kayaking. The department of Drome is well-known for its agricultural production, so there will be opportunities for shopping at farmers' markets and options for farm tours. For exploring the outdoors, there are plenty of hills and mountains nearby where you can go hiking, cycling, and even wildlife watching.

For culture spots to check out, you can take a trip to the nearby city of Valence, where you'll find the Valence Art and Archaeology Museum. There are also several landmarks you can visit, including the La Maison des Têtes, which is known for its intricate stone carvings. There's also the Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire de Valence, which first began as a humble church during the 11th century. A little further away from Valence are two incredible castles. Chateau de Beauregard is a Renaissance-era chateau that housed several important guests, such as Cardinal Richelieu, and has since been converted into a park and gallery. Chateau de Crussol, on the other hand, was a Medieval fortified castle that is currently undergoing restoration ever since it was declared a historical monument.