Christophe Marguin auctions off his collection of royal and presidential menus

Mathilde Bourge | 2/29/24, 3:31 PM

Known as a great collector, Christophe Marguin (2 toques) will soon be parting with over 4,000 imperial, royal and presidential menus. Two exceptional dinners are being organized for the occasion.

Christophe Marguin is an avid collector. The chef of Lyon's Le Président restaurant is best known for having framed 169 jackets worn by some of the world's greatest chefs. While he has no intention of parting with these precious treasures any time soon, the president of the Toques blanches lyonnaises will soon be auctioning off his collection of royal and presidential menus.

A menu dating back to Napoleon III

Since 1986, Christophe Marguin has carefully guarded over 4,000 imperial, presidential and royal menus, spanning 150 years of history. These collectors' items include a menu from 1868 offered by Napoleon III, and one served to King Charles III of England at Versailles in September 2023. The meal for the fiftieth anniversary of D-Day, at which Bill Clinton was received by President Mitterrand, the breakfast menu for Charles and Diana's wedding, and the menu for the inauguration of the Channel Tunnel are also among the valuable souvenirs. As Christophe Marguin 's sons were not interested in this plethora of menus, the chef decided to part with them.

His collection, estimated at between 100,000 and 150,000 euros, will be auctioned on May 31, 2024 in Paris, by Maison Millon. On May 29 and 30, the menus will be the subject of an exhibition open to the general public at 3, rue Rossini, in Paris, in the 9ᵉ arrondissement.

To celebrate the sale, two exceptional dinners will be held. On March 21, 2024, at La Mère Brazier restaurant in Lyon, chef Mathieu Viannay will reproduce the menu offered to President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Jacky by Charles de Gaulle at the Château de Versailles. On March 28, it will be Frédéric Vardon's turn to reproduce the menu offered by President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing on the occasion of the presentation of the Légion d'Honneur to Paul Bocuse, at his establishment Le 39V, in the 8ᵉ arrondissement of Paris. Reservations are already open for these two dinners!

These news might interest you

News & Events

Denny Imbroisi takes over Ischia, Cyril Lignac's Neapolitan restaurant

It's official: Cyril Lignac's Ischia restaurant is changing hands. Denny Imbroisi, a well-known Italian chef in Paris, will continue the adventure.

Read

News & Events

Sirha Lyon 2025: Gault&Millau present at the world's leading gastronomic event

From January 23 to 27, 2025, Sirha Lyon celebrates the world of gastronomy. A flagship event, professionals and enthusiasts discover trends, innovations and culinary demonstrations, with the presence of Gault&Millau."

Read

News & Events

The Centre national de la gastronomie française to open soon in Lyon

On Wednesday January 15, 2025, the official agreement to launch the Centre national de la gastronomie française was signed, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Read

News & Events

Bocuse d'Or 2025: all eyes on Lyon

Lyon is preparing to host the world final of the Bocuse d'Or in January 2025. This international culinary event will bring together the best young chefs from all over the world to compete for the supreme title.

Read

News & Events

Christophe Le Fur: a new bistronomic adventure in Hillion

In March, Christophe Le Fur will open a new restaurant in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. The chef tells us more about this project.

Read

News & Events

Mondial du Rhum 2025: Paris at the heart of the rum ecosystem

From February 12 to 14, 2025, the Palais Brongniart will be the place to be for rum professionals. Discover an exceptional program with the participation of Gault&Millau.

Read