Recognized as one of the most talented culinary personalities of his generation, Arnaud Donckele offers a cuisine that fully reflects his vision of excellence and love for the local landscape. Trained among the greats of French cuisine, his career has been crowned with prestigious awards, including 6 MICHELIN Stars and the title of “Chef of the Year.” A true triumph in the world of gastronomy.
Arnaud Donckele was born in 1977 in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. He grew up in Mantes-la-Jolie with his parents, Philippe and Véronique Donckele, both butchers and restaurateurs, and in Catenay with his grandparents, who were farmers from Flanders. From a young age, Arnaud developed a passion for cooking under the influence of his father, who was passionate about cuisine and hunting, and introduced him to cookbooks written by renowned chefs such as Michel Guérard, Roger Vergé, Alain Chapel, Jacques Maximin, and the Troisgros brothers.
At the age of 16, Arnaud decided to pursue culinary training in Paris at "École Ferrandi" and began his professional career working with Chef Georges Landriot at "Goumard Prunier."
In 1996, during an internship at the renowned Three MICHELIN-Starred restaurant "Les Prés d'Eugénie" by Michel Guérard in Eugénie-les-Bains, Arnaud decided to interrupt his studies and fully dedicate himself to his career. It was during this time that he also met his wife, Marie.
In 1998, Donckele applied to Alain Ducasse and obtained a position as the third assistant cook at the prestigious restaurant "Louis XV" in Monaco, continuing to progress in his culinary career. He later served at the kitchens of the "Hôtel Matignon," which allowed Alain Ducasse to retain Arnaud at the restaurant of the "Plaza Athénée" in Paris. In 2001, he was promoted to sous-chef at the restaurant "Lasserre," and during the same period, he married Marie, with whom he welcomed their first child.
In 2004, he became a father for the second time, and his career took a turn. Thanks to Ducasse's recommendation, Arnaud took over Olivier Brulard's position as the head chef at the renowned restaurant "La Vague d'Or" in the "La Résidence de la Pinède" hotel in Saint-Tropez, becoming the head chef at just 27 years old.
In 2008, as recognition for his extraordinary work, the Gault-Millau Guide awarded "La Vague d'Or" with 4 out of 5 hats. In 2010, the restaurant received two Michelin stars, followed by a third three years later, making Donckele one of the youngest Three MICHELIN-Starred chefs in the prestigious guide.
In 2012, Arnaud was awarded "Jeune chef de l'avenir" by the International Food Academy, further solidifying his position of excellence. In 2013, he was named "Chef of the Year" by industry professionals in an election organized by Le Chef Magazine.
In 2017, the Gault-Millau Guide awarded "La Vague d'Or" the highest score of 5 hats, confirming Arnaud's culinary aspirations for excellence. He was named "Chef of the Year" in 2020.
In 2021, he opened "Plénitude" at Cheval Blanc Paris, and within just one year, the restaurant achieved Three MICHELIN Stars, an extraordinary achievement.
Arnaud Donckele's career is a triumph marked by culinary world recognitions.
