The story
In the heart of the medieval village of Grimaud, on the edge of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez, Les Santons opened its doors in 1962. Founded by Claude Girard and his wife, the restaurant quickly became a landmark for classic cuisine, earning two Michelin stars in its early years. Today, the spirit of the house lives on through their daughter, Stéphanie, who joined the family business in 2001. Trained from childhood in the rhythms of the dining room, she now oversees service and wine pairings as maître d’hôtel and sommelier.
Since 2007, the kitchen has been led by Stéphanie’s husband, chef Julien Allègre. A graduate of the hôtelière school in Montauban, he refined his craft alongside Michel Sarran (two stars), Lasserre in Paris (three stars), and Le Grand Monarque in Chartres (one star). Before taking the reins, he worked as Claude Girard’s second. At Les Santons, Allègre champions a sincere, refined style of classic cuisine that lets the produce speak. He sources from longtime local suppliers, some partners for over four decades, and changes the menu monthly to follow the seasons. In 2014, he was named Maître Cuisinier de France.
The setting is an elegant Provençal house. A sun-drenched terrace and a cozy salon with a crackling fireplace set the tone for unhurried evenings. The welcome is warm, the service discreet. Les Santons holds a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a recognition that aligns with its commitment to honest, flavour-driven cooking and an exemplary quality-price balance. Whether for a dinner midweek or a weekend lunch, the restaurant offers a menu and a carte that evolve with the chef’s inspirations. Classic cuisine, rooted in tradition and executed with precision, remains the constant.
Recognition
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