Le Pont de l'Orme — Restaurant in Carpentras

So, where to start? First of all - the area, the hotel and restaurant is located next to the famous Mt. Ventoux - a bike riders paradise, while itself being surrounded by hills, valleys, lavender and ancient towns. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. So is the territory - if you can imagine driving/riding up to a classical Provencal manor through a beautiful tree-lined road and ancient sandstone gates - you are spot on, this is it. The hotel itself is a gorgeous classic manor with multiple details that any lover of charming pieces would love, coupled with flowers, vines and shrubbery that make the whole building drown in greenery. The rooms, well furnished and equipped, accessible through doors and AC furnished, with comfortable beds and pillows, good facilities and drowning in greenery. The lower floor contains the restaurant, indoors, a tasteful dining room with beautiful ancient fishbone parquet floors, dreamy lighting and a fireplace ambience; although likely you would be on the terrace overlooking the fields, shaded by beautiful ancient trees and branches. The food - breakfast: fresh fruits, yogurt, fresh from the bakery croissants, bread, eggs (2 options) and coffee is all you need to get your day started. Now to end your day we have the gem of a dinner: three course meal for a very reasonable price with food that combined creative renditions of classics (e.g. fig leaf Panna Cotta with buckwheat popcorn and lavender syrup), dazzling French staples of steak and rustic potatoes or bouillabaisse and the best mussels ever. Paired with local wines (all within 30 minutes drive from the property) from whites to refreshing rosé and even natural reds. Note: the menu rotates weekly! All of this is hosted by unbelievable hosts Julia & Julian speaking French, English, German and I will be honest, you will be challenged to find kinder people, more attentive and supportive to your needs and comfort. I wish them all the success and look forward to coming back to the place many more times, it was simply painful to leave! Oh, and there is a pool for a dip...

We had an outstanding dinner recently at the Pont de l’Orme. Their new chef blends traditional French cuisine with a modern, gastro-bistro touch and a hint of whimsy. (Reserve: they’re busy!)

We especially enjoyed the ravioli which enclosed a clever (and delicious) “recreated” egg: a liquid yolk that melted into an “egg white” of creamy ricotta at the touch of a fork. A delicately flavored parsnip soup, topped with sweet crispy shallots, inspired a small argument at our table (over the retraction of a promise to share)...

The beef consommée was superb: rich umami flavors that complemented the tender cabbage-wrapped mushroom parcel nestled in its midst. The truffle-adorned fillet de boeuf (which we got with and without the pan-seared foie gras) was precisely cooked, served beneath a wild chiffonade of fried leeks, and complemented by a “pomme de terre Anna” that melted in your mouth and sweet roasted tomatoes. The filet mignon de cochon with buttery polenta was tender and succulent. The cabillaud, seated atop a luscious confit of leeks and green lentils was drizzled with a subtly balanced herbed cream sauce.

Local cheeses from “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Lou Canesteou were excellent and our desserts, a jewel of a pear poached in spiced red wine with hint of anise, a smooth panna cotta and a stellar fondant au chocolat disappeared in near-silence.

Definitely recommend. We’ll be back: looking forward to seeing what the chef comes up with as the...

We stayed at Pont de l’Orme for two nights during our South of France vacation, and it was exactly the kind of relaxing pause we needed. Julia and Julian have been running the place since this spring, and they are incredibly welcoming hosts—you really feel looked after!

We stayed in room number 5 “Estragone”, which had a charming fireplace detail and a huge bathroom. The property itself has lots of outdoor spaces where you can unwind with a book or a glass of something in the shade of the trees, also the views of the mountains. It’s peaceful and has a very calming atmosphere!

A special highlight was the food. We had dinner there one night and it was one of the best meals of our trip—highly recommend not skipping it. They host resident chefs from different places and work with local producers for seasonal ingredients and regional wines. Breakfasts are homemade and really nourishing, with lots of thoughtful touches, like seasonal fruit plate and custom eggs order.

We will...