Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa awarded first Michelin star for Les Foudres restaurant

Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa in Cognac has been awarded its first Michelin star for its fine dining restaurant Les Foudres.

At the helm of the restaurant, Head Chef Marc-Antoine Lepage creates seasonal menus using the very best local produce. Signature dishes include organic farm eggs with truffle cream and roasted saddle of lamb from Poitou-Charentes. 

Originally from Brittany, Lepage discovered his love of cooking with the Michelin star chef Philippe Vételé at Anne de Bretagne restaurant in Nantes. Before joining Les Foudres, he worked in a number of prestigious French hotels such as Le Cheval Blanc in St Barths and the K2 Palace in Courchevel.

“It has been a tough year for hospitality and tourism, given the difficulties that Covid-19 has thrown at us, but it is bolstering to have achieved this award whilst we embark on our recovery,” comments,” comments Kader Bendjeddah, Director of Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa. ” A Michelin Star is a very encouraging sign for our team here at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa, of which I am very proud.”

“Obtaining a star in the Michelin Guide is an international recognition that I am very pleased about, as it crowns three years of work,” says Javad Marandi, owner of the hotel. “I would like to thank the Michelin Guide and all those at Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa who are committed to the success of the hotel on a daily basis.”

The restaurant is located in the former ageing cellars of the Monnet cooperage, listed as part of France’s industrial heritage, which the restaurant pays homage to through its design.

Guests enter the restaurant through the impressive Chai Cathédrale, which is almost 9 metres high, before entering more intimate dining areas to indulge in multi-course tasting menus and wine pairings. 

Inviting guests to dine amongst the ancient Cognac barrels in the building’s historic ‘chais’ (cognac cellars), fully immerses guests in the architecture and history of the building – making the hotel and dining experience so unique.

The news of Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa’s first Michelin star further reinforces Cognac’s position on the world culinary map.