Home » New Appointment » COMO Le Beauvallon in Grimaud Welcomes Chef Yannick Alléno as the New Culinary Director to Lead a Bold Gastronomic Revival Ahead of the Iconic French Riviera Estate’s Grand Reopening in April 2026
Published on
March 10, 2026
The historic COMO Le Beauvallon in Grimaud, France, overlooking the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez, is set to begin a new chapter as preparations continue for its grand reopening on 24 April 2026. A major milestone in the revival of this celebrated French Riviera estate has been confirmed with the appointment of renowned chef Yannick Alléno as Culinary Director.
The decision has been described as a defining moment in the transformation of COMO Le Beauvallon, which is being reborn as a refined Mediterranean sanctuary after remaining dormant since 2008. Through this appointment, the complete culinary identity of COMO Le Beauvallon will be shaped under the guidance of Yannick Alléno, one of the most influential figures in contemporary French gastronomy.
The hospitality brand COMO Hotels and Resorts has confirmed that the chef will not simply oversee a single restaurant concept. Instead, the full culinary direction of the property will be entrusted to Yannick Alléno, ensuring that the gastronomic experience becomes a central pillar of the renewed identity of COMO Le Beauvallon.
A New Culinary Vision for a Historic French Riviera Estate
Originally inaugurated in 1914, COMO Le Beauvallon has long been recognised as one of the most storied Belle Époque estates on the French Riviera. Located on ten acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the Mediterranean, the property is now entering a carefully planned phase of renewal.
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As part of the revival, the culinary strategy at COMO Le Beauvallon has been designed to reflect both international expertise and regional influence. The appointment of Yannick Alléno is intended to anchor the property’s gastronomic ambitions while creating a distinctive culinary destination on the French Riviera for summer 2026.
The chef currently leads a global network of 21 restaurants. This extensive experience is expected to bring a concept-driven perspective to COMO Le Beauvallon, allowing the property’s dining programme to be shaped by a coherent and carefully crafted culinary philosophy.
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Through his leadership, the culinary experience at COMO Le Beauvallon will be expressed across multiple venues and dining moments, ensuring that food and beverage offerings remain central to the guest journey from morning to late evening.
Signature Restaurants and Distinct Dining Experiences
A key element of the gastronomic transformation at COMO Le Beauvallon will be the launch of the signature waterfront venue Beauvallon Sur Mer by Yannick Alléno. The restaurant will serve as the culinary focal point of the estate, combining Asian culinary traditions with vibrant Mediterranean flavours.
This concept has been designed to reflect a balance between global inspiration and regional character, aligning with the broader vision for COMO Le Beauvallon as a dynamic destination for international travellers.
Beyond the flagship restaurant, Yannick Alléno will oversee all culinary operations across the property. These include breakfast services, rooftop cocktail experiences, poolside dining and in-room hospitality offerings. The culinary programme will be delivered in collaboration with Executive Chef Adel Mannai, who will work closely with the chef to implement the vision across the estate.
Additional dining venues will further expand the culinary landscape at COMO Le Beauvallon. The Winter Garden will present a Belle Époque-inspired setting featuring Mediterranean and Niçoise influences, offering guests a refined yet relaxed environment for dining.
Meanwhile, the Riviera Terrace will be introduced as an open-air lounge where cocktails and elegant garden dining will be served in a setting designed to capture the relaxed atmosphere of the French Riviera.
Opening the Estate’s Culinary Scene to the Wider Community
Another defining aspect of the culinary strategy at COMO Le Beauvallon will be the accessibility of several dining venues to visitors beyond hotel guests. This decision has been described as an intentional move to ensure the estate becomes an active part of the local hospitality landscape.
By welcoming external visitors, COMO Le Beauvallon is expected to evolve into a vibrant gathering place where international travellers and local guests can experience the property’s culinary offerings.
The initiative reflects the broader philosophy of COMO Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality group founded by Christina Ong. The company is known for delivering personalised luxury travel experiences across urban hotels, island resorts, wellness retreats and adventure destinations worldwide.
Within this portfolio, cuisine, service and wellbeing have consistently been positioned as fundamental pillars of the guest experience. Sustainability and thoughtful engagement with local communities are also highlighted as central values guiding the company’s operations.
Each property within the COMO Hotels and Resorts collection is individually curated, ensuring that its identity reflects both its location and its cultural context. With the upcoming reopening of COMO Le Beauvallon, this philosophy will be expressed through a carefully designed culinary programme led by Yannick Alléno.
As preparations continue for the April 2026 debut, the partnership between COMO Le Beauvallon and Yannick Alléno is expected to establish the property as a notable gastronomic destination on the French Riviera. Through a combination of heritage, innovative culinary direction and a collection of distinctive dining venues, the historic estate is preparing to re-enter the international hospitality scene with renewed ambition.
Dining and Cooking