Plan your visit to the restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

Located at the bottom of a bay opening out onto the Pertuis Sea, and sheltered by the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron, La Rochelle has been a seaside companion of the ocean since its founding. For fishing enthusiasts, we organize sea excursions for offshore fishing Along the rocky coasts or winding narrow canals, the Charente-Maritime coastline conceals delicious aquatic treasures. An experience to be lived while respecting protected species and the seasons.

Fishing in the Pertuis d'Antioche

“The Charente-Maritime forges my identity and feeds me with inspiration; and the sea is my garden. It is through the products of the sea that I wish to tell the story of this place. These meagre, scampi and scallops — they are the ocean revealed before your eyes when you dine with us.” 

The culinary approach of Christopher Coutanceau, a remarkable fisherman since childhood, is steeped in ancestral family traditions as well as an ardent commitment to sustainable and eco-responsible fishing practices. Through his passion and technique, his cuisine is a gastronomic cruise showcasing the marvellous wonders and aromas of the sea.

 

Christopher Coutanceau Restaurant

Overlooking La Concurrence Beach, La Yole de Chris takes its name from the lovely, narrow skiffs which also served as inspiration for the bar of this marine bistro. Whether on the terrace, sheltered from the wind, or inside, around the large wooden tables, enjoy the convivial atmosphere as you sample the day’s freshest catch. Carefully selected each morning at the fish market, the delights you will taste underscore the importance of local, eco-responsible fishing that is respectful of the ocean’s seasons.

La Yole de Chris

Villa Grand Voile – Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

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Michelin-starred chef Christopher Coutanceau includes seafood in his dishes every day. Given the alarming impacts that intensive fishing has on the oceans, he wants to advocate for responsible fishing.

Born and raised in La Rochelle, Christopher Coutanceau maintains a strong bond with the sea and its seafood, which he features prominently in his dishes. He has been applying the Seaweb sustainable fishing charter for 10 years. He buys his supplies at the auction house from producers he handpicks for their fishing methods. He has teamed up with director Frédéric Giorgetti to film and produce a documentary warning against the dangers of overfishing, which is depleting marine resources and species, in the hopes of raising as much awareness as possible about saving the oceans.

Imagine a world apart where everything is designed for your pleasure. Here, along Relais & Châteaux’s Route du Bonheur, the clocks have stopped so that you may share in this timeless seaside adventure. Located just a stone’s throw from the chef’s eponymous restaurant, La Villa Grand Voile is the exciting realisation of Christopher Coutanceau and Nicolas Brossard’s ultimate dream: to offer their guests a unique, fully encompassing experience that conveys the true brilliance of this wonderful marine destination. Not far from the bustle of La Rochelle’s Old Port and tucked away along a quite street, this historic building invites you to relax and relish in the heart of this majestic maritime city of cobblestones, timber-framed facades and houses clad in white stone.

Plan your stay at Villa Grand Voile – Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

The fortified maritime city has many defensive monuments, including the famous medieval towers of the Old Port, which guard its entrance. Classified as historical monuments since 1879, the towers’ battlements offer a remarkable panorama of the city and the ocean. But La Rochelle is more than just a maritime haven. To be convinced of this, just walk through the city center!

An immersive maritime experience in the heart of the city

Get on your bikes, and set off to join the famous EuroVelo 1 route along the Atlantic coast. From Roscoff to Hendaye, this cycling route covers more than 745 miles with the ocean as a backdrop. Discover our coasts via routes accessible to all. The Saint Nicolas Towers are the starting point for two routes, one towards Marans and the other towards Rochefort. Discover our regions’ treasures by riding the longest cycling route in France, which is fully signposted from end to end.

Coasting along the Atlantic

Explore the sea and its mysteries while embarking on a two-hour journey of discovery. Discover the heart of the oceans by visiting one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. Meet more than 12,000 marine animals and let yourself be amazed by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and tropical seas. The aquarium has been committed to protecting the environment for many years, notably by developing an observation and treatment program for sea turtles in its unique research center on the Atlantic coast.

Dive into the heart of the ocean

Inspired by the sea and sustainable fishing, Grand Chefs all along the French coast vie to outdo one another's talent and creativity as they prepare the catch of the day. Each chef has his own go-to places, fishermen, wholesale fish merchants and fishmongers. You’ll discover many of them on your sea-themed journey... <a href="https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/destinations/routes-du-bonheur/christopher-coutanceau" target="_new">See the itinerary</a>

Itinerary - Destination restaurants and sustainable seafood

Escaping for 6 days to travel up the Atlantic coast from Bordeaux to the Ile de Ré is to open yourself up to the wind and the elements. And to the men and women who master them: winegrowers and oyster farmers, sailors and great chefs. This singular journey combines the pleasures of both the city and the sea. <a href="https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/destinations/routes-du-bonheur/from-bordeaux-to-the-ile-de-re-via-vineyards-cities-and-beaches" target="_new">See the itinerary</a>

Itinerary - From Bordeaux to the Île de Ré, via vineyards, cities and beaches

Activities, excursions and other attractions during your stay at Villa Grand Voile – Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

This property welcomes groups or events. 1 Meeting room(s)  - Maximum capacity: 8

Make a reservation for a group or special event at Villa Grand Voile – Restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

Nicolas Brossard

Christopher Coutanceau

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Christopher Coutanceau Restaurant

Chef Christopher Coutanceau

3 Michelin Stars & 1 green star 2025

Plan your visit to the restaurant Christopher Coutanceau

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