A gathering in honour of Paul Bocuse
To mark the centenary of Paul Bocuse’s birth, the Institut français in Luxembourg invites you to a talk with the writer Gautier Battistella, exploring the life and legacy of the man who was dubbed ‘the world’s greatest chef’.
Born in 1926 in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, Paul Bocuse left an indelible mark on the history of French gastronomy and helped to project its international influence. From the family inn to the kitchens of the world’s finest restaurants, his journey tells the story of the evolution of a man, a chef and an era.
From "Paulo" to "Mr Paul"
In his book on Paul Bocuse, Gautier Battistella traces the key stages of this extraordinary journey: the childhood of “Paulo”, the son of an innkeeper and heir to a long family tradition; his formative years and the war years; then “Monsieur Paul”s’ rise to the pinnacle of gastronomy and the emergence of a true icon, whose name extends far beyond the world of cooking.
This event will also provide an opportunity to discover the man behind the legend, his relationship with his era and with women, as well as the writer’s craft: how does one portray such an iconic figure, gain an insight into his private life and recount his journey? Gautier Battistella will share his perspective as a writer on Paul Bocuse and read a few extracts from his novel.
Different perspectives on gastronomy
For this event, Gautier Battistella will be joined by Michel Roth, a renowned French chef and winner of the Bocuse d’Or in 1991. Together, they will share their perspectives and experiences to discuss Paul Bocuse’s career, as well as the life of a chef, developments in cuisine and the passing on of a gastronomic legacy to future generations.
Blending literature and gastronomy, this event offers two complementary perspectives on a figure who has had a profound influence on several generations of chefs and continues to embody a certain vision of French cuisine.
Practical information
Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Venue: Vauban – Jeanne Moreau Amphitheatre, École et Lycée Français du Luxembourg
Time: 6.00 pm, doors open at 5.50 pm
The discussion will be followed by a book signing session for Gautier Battistella’s books Bocuse and Chef, in partnership with Ernster L’Esprit Livre.
Free event, registration required
With the support of the Victor Hugo Association.
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