Michaël Arnoult | The greatest destinations in the vineyards of France – France’s official wine tourism portal

Before coming to the Savoie Mont Blanc region to join Emmanuel Renault’s team in Megève as his loyal right-hand man, this talented young chef from Orleans served in the kitchens of the Delphin in Nantes and at Oakly Court in Windsor in the United Kingdom.

Why choose such a tiny village to set up a restaurant?

“It took us a very long time to find this restaurant deep in the mountains. We drifted from one lake to another, travelling the valleys and catching glimpses of the vines in the distance. From the Lac du Bourget we meandered through the countryside before striking out towards Jongieux with its beautiful rows of Jacquère, Bergeron and Altesse vines…we thought we had found the ideal restaurant.“

Anecdotes taken from the food critic’s blog www.gillespudlowski.com

Is working with local producers important to you?

Our menu starts with a list of my partners. Most of the produce I use is fresh from the Savoie region. When you know the people who produce your ingredients, you have a special connection with the product and you really cook with your heart. I am convinced that the same recipe has a completely different flavour. Our menu is always changing as the seasons come and go, and we are constantly coming up with new ways to do justice to our fabulous ingredients.

What wine do you prefer?

You’ll have to ask my sommelier. His wine list includes a wide range of Savoie wines with some exceptional vintages. Our restaurant is set in the Marestel Cru region, surrounded by vines. It would have been a shame not to feature all these wonderful creations our wine-growers produce.

Alcotra – Route des Vignobles Alpins