After nearly 20 years helping build the award-winning Bastille Brasserie & Bar in Old Town Alexandria, Michelle Poteaux found herself wanting to create something more casual, more regionally focused and more reflective of the everyday French dining culture that often gets overlooked in the DMV.
That idea became Maison Breizh at Bastille.
Breizh (pronounced brayz) is the name for Brittany in the Breton language. It refers to the cultural region and administrative peninsula in northwestern France, steeped in Celtic heritage, ancient legends, and unique maritime tradition
Maison Breizh is a Brittany-inspired galetterie-crêperie opening inside Bastille for lunch service, with a projected soft opening this week on Thursday, June 4. Initial hours will be Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This concept is personal for Poteaux. Her first real introduction to galettes came through partner Christophe Poteaux’ family in Cherbourg, Normandy, where she experienced how simple, comforting and deeply rooted in place this style of food could be. Years later, she traveled to Saint-Malo, France, and completed an intensive hands-on program at Atelier de la Crêpe, focused on traditional galette and crêpe production, Brittany cider, technique and regional culinary culture.
Maison Breizh is not simply a crêpe shop.
While many Americans think of crêpes as sweet or dessert-focused, Brittany’s galette culture is centered around savory buckwheat crêpes meant for everyday dining. The menu at Maison Breizh will focus on traditional buckwheat galettes, crêpes, French cider, wine and Breton-inspired dishes approached through a chef-driven lens.
For Michelle Poteaux, Maison Breizh is a natural extension of what Bastille has always tried to do: make French cuisine feel approachable without losing the craft behind it. Bastille helped challenge the idea that French dining needed to feel formal or intimidating. Maison Breizh continues that philosophy in a more relaxed, lunch-focused format.
I believe Alexandria — and the broader DMV dining scene — is ready for more nuanced regional French food beyond the usual stereotypes, she noted, adding Brittany has an incredible culinary identity, and Maison Breizh is my way of bringing that spirit here in a way that feels fresh, honest, and welcoming.
“Maison Breizh is really about bringing a more every day, coastal side of French cuisine to Alexandria — something rooted in craftsmanship and tradition, but still relaxed and approachable.”
Soft Opening: Thursday, June 4
Initial Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location:
Maison Breizh at Bastille
(Just behind Bastille Brasserie & Bar)
1205 Pendleton St., Alexandria
“Look for the hanging blue sign”
Website: www.maisonbreizhva.com
Instagram/Facebook: @maisonbreizhva
Reservations: Coming soon
More about Maison Breizh at Bastille
Maison Breizh at Bastille is a Brittany-inspired galetterie-crêperie located inside Bastille Brasserie & Bar in Alexandria, Virginia. The concept focuses on traditional buckwheat galettes, crêpes, French cider, wine, and coastal-inspired dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of Brittany and interpreted through a chef-driven, Mid-Atlantic lens.
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
Bastille Brasserie & Bar is an independent, chef-owned French restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, led by Michelle and Christophe Poteaux. Since opening in 2006, Bastille has built its reputation on approachable French cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, seasonal menus, and a commitment to making French dining feel welcoming, relevant, and accessible.
Dining and Cooking