During the day, the annual meeting of the Conseil Magistral was held at the Grand Hôtel Roi René from 10am - 12noon.

In the afternoon, a “Food Tour” of Aix-en-Provence was organized.

Château Virant - a unique dining experience
Near the village of Lançon de Provence in the heart of the region, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and sunlit vineyards, lies Château Virant, an exceptional estate where time seems to stand still. A cypress-lined driveway leads to an elegant golden-stone residence, embodying the charm of traditional Provençal architecture, set among rolling hills scented with wild herbs.

The estate, dating from the 7th century BC, is named after the ancient rock château built into the nearby mountain side, locally known as the “Virant rock” - Virant being a derivative of the Etruscan-era God “Wirant”.

As the sun set over the Provençal vineyards, a unique experience awaited the members and guests. The venue remained secret until the last moment, promising a magical evening where gastronomy, surprise, and emotion met.

Round-trip coach transfers from the Grand Hôtel du Roi René in Aix ensured comfort and continued the surprise until the moment of arrival.

Once everyone was present, the setting transformed as dusk settled. Soft lights illuminated the façade, tree shadows danced under a pink-hued sky, and the atmosphere became almost surreal. The only sounds were the whisper of the wind through olive branches and the distant song of cicadas.

Guests were welcomed into an intimate courtyard or among the gardens, where nature and heritage blend seamlessly, creating a timeless dining experience. Authentic yet refined, every detail - the stone, the light, the fragrances of the land - contributed to a truly immersive sensory journey.

Château Virant proved to be a hidden, history-filled sanctuary where Provence revealed its magic for an unforgettable evening.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the historic centre of Aix-en-Provence …

La Petite Ferme
7 avenue Victor Hugo, 13100 Aix-en-Provence
Following the strong enthusiasm for the above “secret location” dining experience which saw it sell out very quickly, Secrétaire-Générale Sabine Tachot wished to offer an additional option for those who were unable to secure a reservation.

It was therefore with much pleasure that a private dining experience could be offered at La Petite Ferme. The attraction of the restaurant was that it has a high-quality rotisserie, offering a selection of grilled meats and fish, in an authentic and convivial spirit, fully aligned with the gastronomic values of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Located just steps away from the vibrant centre of Aix-en-Provence, La Petite Ferme embodies the charm of a contemporary bistro where authenticity and conviviality blend seamlessly within an elegant yet relaxed setting.

Created by Chef Ronan Kernen, the inviting venue offers a refined culinary escape inspired by the spirit of Provence. Imagine a generous table, the crackle of fire, and the aromas of slowly roasted meats.

From the sunlit terrace to the bright dining room and lively counter overlooking the kitchen, every space is designed to foster sharing and discovery. The menu showcased refined yet approachable dishes, celebrating tradition with precision and a spirit of hospitality.

In this intimate and welcoming setting, La Petite Ferme delivered a sincere and contemporary dining experience, fully aligned with the values of excellence, tradition, and fellowship upheld by the Chaîne.

Marie Jones
Managing Editor, Chaîne News Online
International Vice-President