La Gourmandière

La Gourmandière in Carignan occupies a 19th-century maison de maître and pairs regional tradition with modern creativity. For more than 30 years it has been an emblem of Ardennes cuisine and has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and Gault & Millau. The kitchen prioritizes local, seasonal produce, with some items grown in the restaurant’s own vegetable garden, and highlights carefully selected ingredients and affinaged cheeses from supplier Philippe Olivier. In 2024 brothers Vital and Valère Rozet took over, renewing the menu with bold, terroir-focused dishes; Valère co-manages the house with attention to both cuisine and service and the restaurant is distinguished by a large wine cellar. Set within a verdant park, the dining room offers an elegant, refined atmosphere. Visually crafted dishes are presented in a classic yet contemporary setting that conveys historic charm alongside modern gastronomic hospitality. The kitchen blends tradition and innovation in a modern French gastronomic approach that highlights terroir-driven technique. Menus include prix fixe options and a chef’s multi-course tasting that asks diners to follow the chef’s seasonal inspirations. Vital Rozet serves as head chef. He trained in Guadeloupe and at institutions and kitchens including a stage with Georges Blanc and service at the Moulin de Ponceau, and he leads the kitchen with a commitment to sustainable, responsible cooking. Specialties include truffled puff-pastry soup; œuf parfait (perfect egg); pink-seared duck breast (magret de canard); roasted monkfish medallion; duo of foie gras; langoustine tartare; French scallops (Saint-Jacques); and beef Rossini.