Bernard Loubat, the culinary critic from Marseilles, has passed away

Emilie Lesur | 3/15/25, 9:14 PM

Marseille-based food critic Bernard Loubat passed away at the age of 83, on the night of March 15, 2025. A brilliant career that left its mark on local and national gastronomy.

Bernard Loubat passed away on Friday evening, at the age of 83, in the privacy of his family. His wife Michèle announced the sad news to his family and the gastronomic community.

The man who started out as a journalist in the 70s left his mark on the culinary scene. From his columns on France Inter to his role as regional director for Gault&Millau, Bernard Loubat devoted his life to gastronomy. But it's in Marseille that his name resonates particularly strongly. With his in-depth analyses and his love of Provençal cuisine, he introduced the world to the flavors of the city of Marseille. Bernard Loubat knew how to pass on his knowledge and passion with a rare generosity, whether recounting the history of bouillabaisse or evoking the richness of local specialties.

Marc Esquerré, director of Gault&Millau surveys, expressed his sadness in these words: " The Gault&Millau family is deeply saddened. We learned this morning of the death of Bernard Loubat, the best of the best, and our friend. The man I affectionately called "my prince" was one of those who welcomed me most warmly in the late 90s. His curiosity, his benevolence, his enthusiasm, drove him to discovery, seeing everything new as beneficial. He represented everything we stand for, with the human touch and personality at the heart of every story. In his long career as a journalist, Bernard counted only friends. From Marseille, his home town, and from all over Provence, Bernard continued, despite his illness, to send us the fruit of his visits, the sharpest, best informed and best written there are, in his lively, colorful and unique style. His exacting standards, humor and elegance will continue to guide us."

gault&Millau extends its sincere condolences to his wife Michèle.

His funeral will be held on Friday March 21st at 2pm at the Saint-Pierre cemetery in Marseille.

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