French cuisine has over the years reached a level of international fame. However, there can be no doubt that it is well deserved when it can boast master chefs like Regis Marcon.

The restaurant is located in the heart of the Haute Loire region but despite the remoteness of the location its incredible cuisine has attracted food lovers from all over the world. The restaurant specializes in traditional cuisine with all of its products sourced directly from the region.

Everything started in 1956 when Regis Marcon moved with is parents to Saint Bonnet Le Froid, a picturesque village in the French country side. His father was a wine merchant and his mother began to work in a local cafe. It was not long before the family started offering lodgings and eventually developed their house into a small Auberge.

Regis Marcon grew up in this atmosphere of warm hospitality steeped in the traditions of the area. He took over the family hotel on 1979 and added his own unique touch to the enterprise. His influence were particularly significantly in the kitchen, which steadily grew in fame over the years. What started with four people in 1979 now includes a staff of forty eight people, ranging from chefs, waiters to sommeliers.

Each meal is carefully put together to represent the flavors of the region. They are more than just simple recipes, they are the result of the chef and his teams imagination and dedication to their craft. Mushrooms play a significant role in the menus and have become something a signature dish over the years. However, the region has much more to offer in terms of livestock raised on the plateau, green lentils from Le Puy as well as several cheese from the regions of Ardeche and Auvergne.

Regis Marcon was joined by his son in 2005, together Regis and Jacques Marcon form a dynamic duo. Before joining his father in the family business Jacques spent several years working and studying under some of the world greatest chefs. This included Bernard Pacaud at the Ambroisie in Paris, Philippe Rochat in Crissier as well as the Lenotre school for cakes and pastries.

2005 also marked he creation of the new gourmet restaurant on the top of haute hill. The restaurant also provides ten beautifully appointed rooms with breathtaking views of the valley. The design and decor is modern and yet still inviting, it is an incredible place that any food lover should visit in his lifetime. Some people might think that it is a little too out of the way. However, after a meal there it is easy predict that those thoughts will change.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Regis Marcon