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The Strong Comeback of Countryside Gastronomy in France

In recent years, French countryside gastronomy has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Previously, creative restaurants were confined to big cities, leaving the countryside with limited dining options. However, this trend is changing, drawing both locals and tourists to experience innovative culinary delights outside urban centers. Notable examples include Le Doyenné in Saint-Vrain, l'Auberge du Menez, and l'Auberge Sauvage.

 


CMK Bridge Le Doyenné
Le Doyenné

Le Doyenné in Saint-Vrain is renowned for its farm-to-table approach, with an on-site farm providing fresh ingredients that define its seasonal menu. Chef James Henry, formerly of Belon in Hong Kong and Au Passage in Paris, and Chef Shaun Kelly, formerly of Au Passage and The Yard in Paris, bring their expertise to create dishes that highlight local produce and sustainability.

 

L'Auberge du Menez in Saint-Rivoal stands out for its scenic location and innovative dishes. Chefs Josef Drigé and Manuel Penas Galego offer an original cuisine crafted from locally-sourced, often surprising ingredients.

 

At l'Auberge Sauvage in Servon everything is homemade, including bread, charcuterie, and vinegars. Chef Thomas Benady, formerly of La Machine à Coude in Boulogne Billancourt and Orties in Paris, relies on his incredible knowledge of produce to celebrate wild picking and market gardening.

 

These "neo-inns," a term coined by Christine Doublet from Le Fooding, are reshaping the French gastronomic landscape by emphasizing quality of life, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land.


This bond with the land, along with the search for authenticity in the dishes, is now essential. When speaking about his relationship with his local producers, Chef Bruno Verjus of the restaurant Table in Paris, ranked 10th in the prestigious World’s 50 Best, highlights, “They provide us daily with what nature can offer them. We do not place any quantity orders; only quality is paramount. The exemplary nature of their work, without pesticides and respecting the wild nature of the soil, honors the health of our clients and our land."


For businesses looking to expand into France, these developments highlight the importance of local adaptation and innovation. CMK Bridge can help navigate these changes, ensuring your brand a seamless entry into the French market, where the celebration of savoir-faire, quality, and sustainability is finally taking center stage.

CMK BRIDGE INSIGHTS.

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