The story
At Les Clefs d'Argent in Mont-de-Marsan, the cuisine is a direct expression of a partnership. Chef Christophe Dupouy and his wife Eugénie, who met while working in the brigade of Michel Sarran in Toulouse, run this restaurant as a true team. Their story, as they tell it, began over a lobster sauce with citrus—and that spirit of fusion and generosity defines every meal here.
Christophe Dupouy knew from age six that he wanted to be a cook. He trained for over 15 years in some of France's most prestigious kitchens, including Alain Ducasse's Louis XV in Monte-Carlo and the two-starred restaurant of Firmin Arrambide. In 2005, he returned to his native Landes to open his own place and pursue his dream of a Michelin star. That dream was realized in 2009, when Les Clefs d'Argent received its first star. The restaurant continues to be recognized by the Michelin guide, a testament to its consistent quality.
The cooking here is unapologetically "métissée"—a refined blend of the deep traditions of the Landes terroir and the vibrant flavors of Benin, Eugénie's home country. The menu changes with the seasons, but a recent special truffle menu gives a clear sense of the kitchen's ambition: dishes like a soup with chicken juice-soaked croutons and black truffle, or a scallop contisé with the same prized fungus, paired with wines from Domaine Plaisance. The result is a gastronomic experience that feels both rooted and adventurous.
Eugénie is the heart of the restaurant, a hostess whose warmth and attentive nature make guests feel like part of the family. For her, the meal begins the moment the door opens. This combination of exacting service and genuine conviviality, paired with Christophe's singular cuisine, makes Les Clefs d'Argent a destination worth seeking out.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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