The story
In the quiet heart of the Ardèche, Maison Ailhon offers a dining experience rooted in its surroundings. Located on the Place de l'Église in the village of Ailhon, just ten minutes from Aubenas, this restaurant brings a refined yet unpretentious approach to the table. The setting is simple and genuine, with outdoor seating that lets guests take in the character of the village. It is a place where the rhythm of the day slows down, and the focus returns to the food and the company.
Maison Ailhon has earned a place in the Michelin guide as a Recommended restaurant, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and quality of its kitchen. This award is not a distant accolade but a reflection of the daily commitment to sourcing well and cooking with care. The cuisine, while not defined by a single label, draws from the rich produce of the Ardèche region, bringing a modern perspective to local ingredients.
The team at Maison Ailhon welcomes guests from Wednesday through Sunday, with the kitchen open from lunch through the evening. The atmosphere is warm and convivial, making it as suitable for a casual midday meal as for a longer dinner. Whether you are seated inside or on the terrace, the service is attentive without being intrusive. For those looking to explore the Ardèche through its flavours, Maison Ailhon is a destination that delivers on its promise of quality and authenticity.
Recognition
Details
History
Oh, oh, oh! It’s oh so good in Ailhon! Or rather, under the plane trees on Place de l’Église to be precise, where around 30 guests grab their cutlery for a mind-blowing tour of the vegetable garden, led by Lucie Soerensen and Clément Guernalec – who both did stints at Septime and Auberge de Chassignolles, before setting up shop in this small Ardèche village. In the shade of their Maison with its azure blue shutters, the chef transforms the best of nature’s bounty, like the tomato water made using the tastebud-tickling toms from the garden. What came after? Butter onions with chili oil perfectly balanced with sauce matelote; some serious roasted eggplant; spectacular duck neck stuffed with figs and duck leg meat, cut maki style and served with the head – risky, but full of panache; more reassuring nectarine slices and raspberries atop stewed apricot and with fig leaf ice cream on the side, before going to sleep soundly in one of the guest rooms. And the pair still have more up their sleeves, since they plan to turn the adjoining house into a buvette-style watering hole… Watch this space! // Henri Depecker
Oh, oh, oh! It’s oh so good in Ailhon! Or rather, under the plane trees on Place de l’Église to be precise, where around 30 guests grab their cutlery for a mind-blowing tour of the vegetable garden, led by Lucie Soerensen and Clément Guernalec – who both did stints at Septime and Auberge de Chassignolles, before setting up shop in this small Ardèche village. In the shade of their Maison with its azure blue shutters, the chef transforms the best of nature’s bounty, like the tomato water made using the tastebud-tickling toms from the garden. What came after? Butter onions with chili oil perfectly balanced with sauce matelote; some serious roasted eggplant; spectacular duck neck stuffed with figs and duck leg meat, cut maki style and served with the head – risky, but full of panache; more reassuring nectarine slices and raspberries atop stewed apricot and with fig leaf ice cream on the side, before going to sleep soundly in one of the guest rooms. And the pair still have more up their sleeves, since they plan to turn the adjoining house into a buvette-style watering hole… Watch this space! // Henri Depecker
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