Domaine du Liziec in Vannes: a new gastronomic project by Olivier Samson

Olivier Samson is starting a new chapter in his career. The chef, who has been at the helm of La Gourmandière (3 toques) in Vannes since 2011, has closed his gourmet restaurant to devote himself to an exciting new project. In October, Laurent and Philippe Davalo, with MGallery (Accor Group), will inaugurate Le Domaine du Liziec in Vannes, a six-hectare site with 71 rooms, a spa and a fine dining offer. Olivier Samson, who will manage the gastronomic table as well as the brasserie, bar and reception areas, tells us more about this future establishment.

An epicurean friendship

It was with a twinge of regret thatOlivier Samson closed his restaurant La Gourmandière in December 2023, after thirteen years of "meeting and sharing". "We opened in 2011 with my wife, and I think we left our mark on Breton gastronomy. Unfortunately, I felt a bit cramped. I felt like I'd come full circle and the place no longer matched my ambitions."

From October 2024, the chef will therefore be taking part in a new adventure, alongside Laurent and Philippe Davalo, loyal customers of La Gourmandière."Domaine du Liziec is above all a story of men. All their family or business meals have taken place here, and over time we've forged an epicurean friendship", assures Olivier Samson.

3 dining areas

Domaine du Liziec, renovated by architects Arnaud Blanchard and Nadège El Amine, will house three distinct dining areas, starting with a gourmet table. "I wanted to give it space and comfort. There will be 35 covers, and we'll be able to rediscover the DNA of my cuisine, which defends our terroir, with iodized, tumultuous flavours, like the winds and tides", imagines Olivier Samson. "I'll continue to work as closely as possible with producers, between land and sea, but we also have a garden with aromatic herbs, flowers... We've also planted citrus fruits like lemon caviar, citron, etc. It's a little nod to my career in the fine houses of the South of France", says the Breton chef.

The former president of the Tables et Saveurs de Bretagne association will also be in charge of the brasserie section, which "will offer simple, gourmet, seasonal cuisine". You'll be able to eat entrecôte, sweetbreads or even kidneys." Finally, in the bar area, Olivier Samson will devise a tapas menu to share. "We're located just five minutes from the port and Vannes train station. People can easily come and have a drink after work", says the chef in anticipation. See you in October for the opening of Domaine du Liziec!

Further information: https: //ledomaineduliziec.com/fr/