Château du Mont Joly

The story

Château du Mont Joly, Dole – Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine in the Jura

La Table de Catherine & Romuald Fassenet

At Château du Mont Joly, an elegant 18th-century manor surrounded by a two-and-a-half-hectare park just outside Dole, the dining room opens onto the grounds through wide bay windows. The light-filled space sets the stage for a kitchen led by chef Romuald Fassenet, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and holder of a Michelin star.

Fassenet’s modern cuisine is rooted in the Jura terroir. He and his brigade select exceptional ingredients, then elevate them through precise technique. The result is a cooking of the senses—one that honours local producers and the region’s identity without unnecessary embellishment. The restaurant describes it as "a signature culinary experience imbued with emotion."

Alongside the food, Catherine Fassenet, Gault & Millau’s Sommelière of the Year, has built a wine list that echoes the kitchen’s spirit. Her selection draws on the Jura’s own vineyards and neighbouring regions, offering pairings that feel both grounded and inspired.

Fassenet’s influence extends beyond the château. He has been a driving force in French competition cooking, coaching the national team to a Bocuse d’Or victory in 2021 and again in 2025. As vice-president of Team France, he continues to mentor the next generation of chefs.

The restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. The setting—a family home where Catherine and Romuald live with their two daughters—gives the meal a personal, unhurried character. Here, the Michelin star is not a trophy but a natural expression of daily craft.