Christophe Pelé leaves Le Nautilus four months after arriving in Penmarc’h

Le Nautilus turned out to be a particularly brief interlude in Christophe Pelé’s career. Having been based since the spring at the Port of Kérity in Penmarc’h, the chef, along with his team, finally left the restaurant on Friday, October 2, 2026. This decision comes after disagreements with his partners and at a time when the project reportedly failed to meet expectations on both sides.

A New Beginning in Brittany

Christophe Pelé’s arrival at Le Nautilus had, however, marked a turning point in the chef’s career. After thirty-five years in Paris, including several years at the helm of the kitchen at Le Clarence, the chef had chosen Finistère to write a new chapter in his career. The opportunity had been brought to his attention by Laurent Daniel, a fishmonger in Guilvinec with whom he was already working, and the idea of a project radically different from his previous establishments had won him over. Le Nautilus was thus intended to break away from the conventions of the Parisian gourmet restaurant. Located overlooking the sea, the 35-seat restaurant was conceived as a Breton “gastro-pub,” with an open kitchen facing the dining room, a deliberately relaxed atmosphere, and a strong emphasis on seafood.

The project also relied on a smaller team. After working with about fifteen people in the kitchen at Le Clarence, the chef intended to operate in Penmarc’h with a much smaller team. Some of his former Parisian colleagues, including Malo Toupin and sommelier Thomas Rosse, had joined him on this new adventure.

This first season in Brittany is therefore coming to an end sooner than expected. While Le Nautilus will remain in Penmarc’h, the future of the restaurant and its next culinary project are yet to be determined following the departure of Christophe Pelé and his team.