From May 3 to 5, 2025, the picturesque town of Saint-Tropez will transform into a culinary haven as the fifth edition of "Les Chefs à Saint-Tropez" celebrates the region's rich gastronomic heritage. This three-day event, initiated by renowned chef Arnaud Donckele, aims to highlight local producers and artisans, bringing together food enthusiasts for a series of engaging activities, tastings, and demonstrations.
With an impressive lineup of hundreds of artisans and producers, the event promises to showcase the best of the region's culinary offerings. From farmers and cheesemakers to winemakers and bakers, all will have a place on the Place des Lices, the heart of the festivities. Donckele, a triple Michelin-starred chef, emphasizes the importance of these producers in the culinary world, stating that "without them, gastronomy could not exist."
The weekend will kick off on Saturday, May 3, with the highly anticipated battle d’aïoli and découpe de poissons, starting at 9:15 AM. This competition will set the stage for a series of five culinary battles throughout the weekend, where chefs will showcase their skills and creativity while using the finest local ingredients.
Among the battles, the first will commence at 10 AM on Saturday, featuring a jury that includes culinary experts like Gerald Passedat, Yoric Tieche, and Thierry Di Tullio. The excitement continues on Sunday, May 4, at 10 AM with a battle panier surprise et éloquence, where chefs such as Camille Delcroix will compete for glory, judged by notable figures including Philippe Etchebest and Michel Sarran.
Later that day, at 2:45 PM, participants will face off in the battle "La presqu’île flottante," focusing on exquisite pastry creations. The final day on Monday, May 5, will feature the battle d’artichauts barigoule at 11 AM, showcasing chefs like André Sarn and Evan Albert, followed by a fun battle "Pois Chiche" for both adults and children at 2:30 PM, with David Galienne as part of the jury.
In addition to the battles, the event will host over 20 culinary demonstrations, spotlighting the skills of both local and international chefs, including Cyril Lignac and Nadia Sammut. These demonstrations serve as a platform to honor the exceptional raw materials that define the region's cuisine.
The event will also feature a grand tropézienne competition, sponsored by pastry chef Cédric Grolet. Contestants will create three pastries for judging by a prestigious panel, including Grolet himself. Attendees can enjoy signing sessions with culinary stars like Philippe Etchebest and Mercotte, enhancing the overall experience.
For families, workshops for children will be available on Sunday and Monday from 10 AM to 1 PM, ensuring that the event caters to all ages. With its rich program, "Les Chefs à Saint-Tropez" promises to be a delightful celebration of gastronomy, community, and local talent.
Meanwhile, in the world of fine dining, the Michelin Guide recently awarded new stars to 68 restaurants across France on April 21, 2025. This prestigious event recognized two new three-star establishments: Christopher Coutanceau in La Rochelle and Le Coquillage in Brittany. Michelin Guide director Gwendal Poullennec highlighted the resilience of the culinary community amid global challenges, stating, "Men and women continue to cook, welcome people, pass on knowledge, and create beauty."
France remains the leader in Michelin-recognized restaurants, boasting 31 three-star, 81 two-star, and 542 one-star establishments. Among the notable winners, chef Philippe Etchebest received a second star for his restaurant Maison Nouvelle in Bordeaux, reflecting the strength of the next generation of French chefs.
Etchebest, known for his role as a celebrity judge on shows like "Top Chef," noted the increasing creativity among young chefs, stating, "They’re going faster than we did in our time." The Michelin Guide aims to evolve by embracing a wider range of dining experiences, moving beyond its traditional reputation for elitism.
As the guide continues to adapt, it has recognized diverse culinary offerings worldwide, including roadside food stalls and even a taco stand in Mexico City. This year’s selections also spotlighted emerging talents like Adrien Cachot and Valentina Giacobbe, who received their first stars, showcasing the guide's commitment to nurturing the next generation.
However, the Michelin Guide is not without controversy. Chef Marc Veyrat, known for his extravagant restaurant in Megeve, faced scrutiny after he refused to welcome inspectors, claiming they had stripped him of a star due to a misunderstanding involving cheddar cheese. Veyrat’s absence from the latest winners list highlights the ongoing debates surrounding Michelin’s evaluations.
In another twist, chef Vincent Favre-Felix, who has held a one-star rating since 2021, announced his intention to return the award as he pivots his restaurant's concept. The Michelin Guide insists that its inspectors operate independently, emphasizing that stars are not owned by chefs but are awarded based on the quality of the dining experience.
As the culinary scene in France continues to evolve, the Michelin Guide remains a significant player, shaping the reputations of chefs and restaurants while adapting to the changing landscape of dining. With events like "Les Chefs à Saint-Tropez" and the latest Michelin awards, the future of French gastronomy looks promising, celebrating both tradition and innovation.