This is a news story that has sent shockwaves through the Parisian culinary scene. Guy Martin is leaving the Grand Véfour after 34 years at the helm of this historic institution at the Palais-Royal. The 68-year-old chef, who took over the kitchen in 1991 and acquired the building in 2011, is handing over the reins to Paris Society and Laurent de Gourcuff, according to reports from Le Figaro.
In a statement, Guy Martin expressed his excitement about the future of the Grand Véfour. It's clear that the chef is ready to turn the page on an important chapter of his career to focus on new ventures. And these are no ordinary projects, as he is also parting ways with his three Parisian bistros: Pasco in the 7th arrondissement, A Noste in the 2nd, and Augustin in the 14th district.
Guy Martin isn't hanging up his knives just yet! The chef has a packed schedule and ambitious plans, especially in Italy, where he has been based for several years. He is an organic wine producer and owner in the Puglia region, with his Primissimo label crafted in Salento. But his ventures don’t stop there: in Nardò, he has acquired and transformed three stunning 18th-century palaces into guesthouses. A perfect way to enjoy his Italian dolce vita, surrounded by vineyards and rich history.
On the Parisian front, Guy Martin is wiping the slate clean. The chef is withdrawing from his three bistronomy spots that he had grouped under the umbrella "Maison Guy Martin." Goodbye to Pasco, with its stunning views of Les Invalides; A Noste, known for its Basque tapas vibe near the Stock Exchange; and Augustin, the cozy boulevard bistro on Rue Daguerre. A bold move for someone who had been expanding his portfolio with more approachable concepts in recent years.
Thirty-four years—that's a long journey! Guy Martin first set foot at the Grand Véfour back in 1991, at a time when the restaurant was already shining brightly beneath the arches of the Palais-Royal. It was here that the chef reached the peak of his career, earning the prestigious three Michelin stars in 2000. That pinnacle was maintained until 2008, when the red guide stripped him of one star. The restaurant would go on to lose its last Michelin distinctions in the 2021 edition.
Rather than aiming for the stars, Guy Martin took a bold step: making the Grand Véfour more accessible. Starting in 2019, he began reimagining his historic restaurant. After the third lockdown in 2021, he reopened it with a new approach: lower prices and, most notably, the addition of a beautiful terrace under the garden’s arches. His goal? To allow more people to experience a place where Napoléon, Colette, and Jean Cocteau once dined. This move toward democratization has marked the recent years of his journey at Véfour.
The new owner of Le Grand Véfour is no ordinary figure. Laurent de Gourcuff is a major player in Paris nightlife and heads Paris Society, an empire of hospitality with over 60 venues under its belt. He's responsible for iconic spots such as Le Laurent on the Champs-Élysées (alongside chef Mathieu Pacaud), Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo, L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, and the legendary Maxim's, which he revitalized entirely. His group was acquired by Accor at the end of 2022, but Laurent de Gourcuff remains the key figure guiding its vision.
For the time being, it's unclear what Paris Society has planned for the Grand Véfour. The group is known for transforming iconic, historic venues into trendy hotspots where cuisine meets vibrant atmosphere and sleek design. Will the Grand Véfour evolve into a more lively, lifestyle-focused spot, or will it maintain its traditional reputation as a refined gastronomic restaurant? That remains a mystery._one thing's certain: the changes are likely to be significant.
One thing is certain: the Grand Véfour, listed as a Historic Monument for its stunning 18th-century décor and painted ceilings, is preparing to write a new chapter in its 240-year history. Meanwhile, Guy Martin is moving on from Paris to focus on his Italian ventures and enjoy his estate in Puglia. Stay tuned for 2025 to see the new face of this iconic Palais-Royal institution.
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