Denis Martin opens La Belle Vie: a new chapter in the heart of Gard
After seven years at The Marcel, Denis Martin is about to open his own establishment in Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan. The chef tells us more about his new hotel-restaurant, La Belle Vie.
Denis Martin, known for his work at The Marcel restaurant (3 toques) in Sète, is preparing to open a new establishment, La Belle Vie, in Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan, Gard. The opening is scheduled for June 18, 2025.
A return to his roots
Originally from Avignon, Denis Martin decided to return to his native region for this new project. After traveling around the world with his family, he chose to settle in Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan, convinced he had found the perfect place. "I was born and raised here, so it's an area I know by heart," he confides.
With his wife Yoana Martin, he took over an old stable that had been converted into a bed & breakfast and restaurant, a place that had existed for around ten years. "This place has lived before us, fully and healthily", Denis Martin points out. The stone building, more than a hundred years old, was transformed into a hotel and restaurant, before being closed for almost two years. The couple now intend to restore the hotel's 4-star classification, while preserving the soul of the place.
A family hotel
The establishment will offer seven charming rooms, all unique, with a minimum surface area of 40 square meters. Four rooms will be located in the main building, the others a little apart, offering a setting conducive to relaxation."It's a place where people come to recharge their batteries and have a good time," explains the chef. His wife, Yoana Martin, former manager of Les Halles restaurant in Sète, will be in charge of the hotel side of things.
A gourmet restaurant rooted in the terroir
On the restaurant front, Denis Martin will be offering refined gastronomic fare, in line with what he was doing in Sète. "We'll be focusing on local produce, everything that's good and beautiful in the area," he explains. Two menus will be offered: a 4-, 5- or 7-course menu at 78, 95 or 120 euros excluding drinks, and a second vegetarian menu 100% organically grown. A weekday lunch menu will also be available, at the more affordable price of 50 euros.
For this new project, Denis Martin has surrounded himself with trusted collaborators. His former second-in-command at The Marcel joins him, as well as his maître d'hôtel and sommelier, and a pastry chef with whom he worked in his early days. "It's a team we know. This will enable us to get off to a faster and better start, in a human atmosphere that suits us," he enthuses.
An evocative name
The couple chose to keep the existing name of the establishment, La Belle Vie, finding that it corresponded well to their vision."Beyond that, it's a place that has lived before us and done well, so we're going to try to live up to the place," concludes Denis Martin.
