In Saint-Marcel, a Savoyard family celebrates 50 years of gastronomy and a third generation joins the kitchen

From a potato field to a table recognised by the Michelin Guide

The son of a cabinetmaker and a farmer, René Meilleur bought a potato field in 1976, at 1,502 metres altitude, at the far end of the remote hamlet of Saint-Marcel, above Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. With his wife, Marie-Louise, he built La Bouitte there by hand, meaning "little house" in the local dialect. The couple first served fondue and local cuisine, with nothing to suggest they would become one of the most celebrated families in French gastronomy.

A dinner with chef Paul Bocuse in 1981 proved the turning point: René and Marie-Louise Meilleur moved into haute cuisine, working with creativity and away from passing trends. The arrival of their son, Maxime, in 1996 marked a decisive shift. A former high-level biathlete, he brought new rigour and drove the house's rise. Recognised by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant has held two Michelin stars since 2024.

Oscar and Calixte Meilleur, the third generation

2025 marked a symbolic milestone with Oscar Meilleur joining the family brigade. He came to La Bouitte after working at several prestigious establishments, among them Clos des Sens in Annecy, Flocons de Sel in Megève, Cheval Blanc in Courchevel and Plénitude in Paris. His return to the Belleville valley continues the family's story. Oscar brings a fresh eye and new energy, with freer plating, and reflects a generation open to the world while remaining rooted in its home ground.

Alongside him, his brother Calixte is in turn learning the trade from his elders. Together, they represent the continuity of a family venture rare in contemporary gastronomy, alongside René and Maxime Meilleur.

A double anniversary in 2026

In 2026, La Bouitte brings together three generations of the Meilleur family in the kitchen for the first time: René, Maxime, Oscar and Calixte. The establishment comprises a five-room and suite hotel and a restaurant, La Table des Meilleur(s), which has held two Michelin stars since 2024.

Key points

1. La Bouitte was founded on 4 December 1976 by René and Marie-Louise Meilleur, on a former potato field at 1,502 metres altitude.
2. In 2026, the establishment celebrates 50 years in business and the 100th season of its founders.
3. The arrival of the founding couple's son, Maxime Meilleur, a former high-level biathlete, in 1996 marked a turning point in the house's rise to gastronomic renown.
4. The restaurant, La Table des Meilleur(s), has held two Michelin stars since 2024.
5. In 2025, Oscar Meilleur, representing the family's third generation, joined the brigade, since joined by his brother Calixte.