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Just 1 hour 20 minutes from Lyon, a Savoyard chef wins Chef of the Year after earning his third star

undefined undefined 22 septembre 2026 undefined 12h30

The Editor

© Les Morainières

French gastronomy celebrated its rising stars this Monday, September 21st at Parc des Princes. For the 40th edition of the Chef Trophies, Michaël Arnoult was crowned Chef of the Year® after earning a third Michelin star at Les Morainières in Jongieux.

This is yet another crowning achievement for the chef of Morainières, just a few months after earning his third Michelin star. The Trophées Le Chef is based on a rather unique principle in the world of gastronomy: it's the chefs listed in the Michelin Guide France who elect their peers, anonymously and by secret ballot, under the supervision of a court officer. Since 1987, the Chef of the Year® award has been recognizing a professional acknowledged by his peers for his talent and contribution to French gastronomy. For Michaël Arnoult, this new trophy thus celebrates a particularly exceptional year.

A story written with four hands

Behind this double triumph lies above all the story of a couple who have been building, for over twenty years, a cuisine deeply rooted in their region. Michaël Arnoult and Ingrid meet in England while working at the Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor. He trained in Montargis before working notably in Emmanuel Renaut's kitchens at Flocons de Sel; she chose to work front of house.

In 2005, they settle in Jongieux and take over an old vineyard building to create Les Morainieres. Since then, Ingrid in the dining room and Michaël in the kitchen have moved forward together, with an approach centered on products, local producers, and Savoyard landscapes.

Les Morainières Reach the Top

Twenty-one years after settling in Savoie, Les Morainières have earned their third Michelin star, celebrating a precise, personal cuisine deeply connected to its surroundings. Fish, local produce, seasonal ingredients, and inspiration drawn from the surrounding landscapes shape the identity of this restaurant that has become unmissable.

The other 2026 Chef Awards also honored Maxence Barbot, pastry chef of the year at Bristol in Paris, Bastien Debono, sommelier of the year at restaurant Yoann Conte in Veyrier-du-Lac, and Olivier Bikao, recognized for service at Le Meurice in Paris. With this Chef of the Year® title, Michaël Arnoult thus adds a new prestigious chapter to the history of Morainieres. And Savoie can now savor a double recognition: three Michelin stars and the vote of its peers.

 

Address: 1400 Rte de Marestel, 73170 Jongieux