Matthieu Derible takes over as head chef at Le Art restaurant in Château de la Gaude

Following the departure of Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal to pursue new personal projects, Le Art (4 toques), the gourmet restaurant of the Château de la Gaude in Aix-en-Provence, is entrusting the management of its kitchens to Matthieu Derible. It's an obvious choice: present with the estate since 2019, appointed head chef in 2021, he has been involved from the outset in building the restaurant's identity and its gastronomic ascent.

A break with continuity

"It's a great honor and a great source of pride to take over after Matthieu," confides the chef. "Above all, I want to maintain the restaurant's prestige, while at the same time aiming to go even further." This new role is one of continuity, with no desire for a sharp break, but rather the gradual assertion of a personal sensibility.

matthieu Derible, who has been in charge of the kitchens for the past four years, claims to be making a measured transition. "Art's identity will evolve, but there's no question of destabilizing it. We have a clientele of regulars, so the changeover will be gradual." A change that has already begun: in recent months, two dishes on a four-course menu already bore his signature. The next, more personal menu will continue this natural trend.

Trained in some of the world's finest establishments, from Burgundy to the Mediterranean, Matthieu Derible's background is both demanding and structuring. Originally from Normandy, he now cultivates a cuisine that links his roots, his experiences and the terroir of Provence. "I'm going to draw on what I've learned with Matthieu, but also on everything I've learned along the way. Provence remains open to other horizons."

His cuisine now focuses more on iodine and vegetables, with an emphasis on seasonality, emotion and sincerity. "A cuisine of desire and sensitivity", he sums up.