Please wait

Contact

37-39 rue Boissière
75016 Paris
France

Phone : 01 41 40 99 80

GaultMillau © 2025 All rights reserved

Who is Laelya Van Der Vliet, France's Best Apprentice in Pastry?

Who is Laelya Van Der Vliet, France's Best Apprentice in Pastry?

Mathilde Bourge | 4/23/24

The young woman has just won the Best Apprentice of France Pastry Competition. Find out more about her career and her dreams.

After winning the local competition in Ile-de-France, Laelya Van Der Vliet was crowned France's Best Apprentice in Pastry in April 2024. The competition, held this year in Dijon, in the heart of the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie & du Vin, saw fourteen candidates from all over France compete against each other, on the theme of "L'Artisanat, un savoir-faire à la française". A few days after her victory, Laelya Van Der Vliet tells us more about her background and ambitions.

"My passion for pastry has grown over time".

Aged just 17, France's Best Apprentice has long known what she wants to do with her life. "I started pastry-making with my family, for events like birthdays. Then I visited hotel schools, met chefs, took part in masterclasses, and that reinforced my desire. My passion for pastry has grown over time", smiles Laelya Van Der Vliet.

After completing a CAP Pâtisserie at the Ferrandi school, the young apprentice from Versailles embarked on a Mention complémentaire Pâtisserie-Chocolaterie-Glacerie-Confiserie at the École de Boulangerie Pâtisserie in Paris. "I'm currently an apprentice at La pâtisserie FINE in Versailles, with chef Sébastien Serveau, who has worked at the Ritz Paris," she explains.

It was with this mentor, but also with her family, that Laelya prepared for the Best Apprentice of France competition, after her days working in the store. "It's a highly recognized competition and I love a challenge. I'd been saying tomyself for years that I'd take part, and I haven't looked back", she enthuses. The young woman, up against thirteen other competitors, had 8 hours to create 2 chocolate tarts, 16 coffee eclairs, 2 Saint-Honoré, 24 sweet petits fours, 24 chocolate bonbons and an artistic piece in sugar and chocolate. "At the time, it was hard to realize that I'd won... But it was a relief and above all a huge source of pride! I'd worked really hard, and I was happy to win for all the people who'd helped me prepare, too", says Laelya.

Although the young pastry chef knows she still has a long way to go, she is already dreaming of a successful career in the profession. "One day,I'd like to become the head pastry chef at a major hotel or palace, and then open my own boutique," says Laelya Van Der Vliet.

These news might interest you

A new Mama Shelter in Toulon planned for 2027 Hotels & Bed & Breakfast

A new Mama Shelter in Toulon planned for 2027

Following openings in Nice and Marseille, Mama Shelter is continuing its expansion in the Mediterranean region with a new address planned for late 2027 in the former Évêché building, right in the heart of the Cours Lafayette.
Fanny Rey in 5 dishes News & Events

Fanny Rey in 5 dishes

Fanny Rey, chef at the Auberge de Saint-Rémy, talks to us about the dishes that have marked her career. A dive into the chef's world that should make you want to take a trip to Provence.
The Cheffes! 2025: A not-to-be-missed solidarity event News & Events

The Cheffes! 2025: A not-to-be-missed solidarity event

The Cheffes! festival returns for two editions in Paris and Marseille in spring 2025. Discover the program of festivities.
Seaweed bliss Craftsmen & Know-How

Seaweed bliss

Jean-Marie and Valérie Pédron gather, preserve and process seaweed from the Guérande peninsula, delivering it to France's top chefs. The couple also aim to democratize the use of this coastal treasure, which is rarely used in cooking.
A new chapter at Bastide de Moustiers with Valentin Fuchs News & Events

A new chapter at Bastide de Moustiers with Valentin Fuchs

A new era for Bastide de Moustiers. Alain Ducasse has entrusted the kitchens of his Provencal restaurant to Valentin Fuchs, a chef trained in some of the world's top establishments, who will give pride of place to seasonal cuisine.
Jérémie Le Calvez opens a new bistro in Saint-Pol-de-Léon News & Events

Jérémie Le Calvez opens a new bistro in Saint-Pol-de-Léon

In July, the chef behind La Pomme d'Api in Saint-Pol-de-Léon will open La Pomme Reinette, a more accessible bistro that will be transformed into an afternoon tea room and tapas bar in the evening.

Food products, kitchen equipment, tableware, service solutions...

See the full list of partners who place their trust in Gault&Millau

All our partners
Become a Partner
LEARN MORE