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Julien Freulon
DIRECTOR, LE CHANTECLER

Julien Freulon, Restaurant Manager of Le Chantecler, embodies a refined vision of the French art of living, cultivated from childhood through a family devotion to the epicurean pleasures of fine dining. From an early age, he envisioned a future in which elegance, service, and excellence would take centre stage. He gravitated, almost inevitably, towards the art of gastronomy and refined service — a path that soon proved to be his true calling.

His career, marked by a series of prestigious experiences, led him to the Plaza Athénée, where he worked alongside Alain Ducasse during the awarding of the restaurant’s third MICHELIN star. These formative years in iconic establishments reaffirmed his desire, in his own words, “to excel in MICHELIN-starred restaurants.”

Eager to broaden his perspective, Julien travelled to Canada, where he discovered a new managerial philosophy. “The entrepreneurial spirit there is deeply human — based on trust, collaboration, and creativity.” This experience introduced him to the origins of seasonal and local cuisine, allowing him to work alongside chefs who championed the flavours of boreal gastronomy. This two-year immersion deepened his belief in close-knit, collaborative leadership — a principle that continues to guide his approach today.

Upon returning to Europe, Julien joined the team at Le Louis XV in Monaco and further honed his expertise through training in oenology. His dedication and curiosity were soon rewarded with a management role at the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle. There, he instilled his ethos of service within his team and refined his commitment to excellence in the realm of MICHELIN-starred dining. This journey ultimately led him to Le Chantecler, which he now leads with pride.

Today, Julien Freulon collaborates closely with Chef Virginie Basselot to offer guests a unique gastronomic journey that honours the cuisine of the French Riviera. Convinced that the success of a great meal lies as much in the service as in the cuisine, he advocates for a discreet and personal approach to hospitality, where every detail matters and each guest is welcomed with thoughtful grace.

To Julien, leading Le Chantecler means embodying the heritage of Le Negresco while remaining open to reinvention. Under his guidance, it continues to evolve with quiet confidence, reaffirming its position among the Riviera’s most esteemed culinary establishments.

His commitment to his teams is equally profound. “My success depends on them — in the dining room, in the kitchen, and the trust of the partners around me.” At Le Chantecler, this fusion of talents creates a unique experience, night after night, within this iconic gastronomic institution.

We are proud to announce Julien’s nomination as Restaurant Manager of the Year 2025 at the Gault & Millau Trophies, a distinction that honours both his dedication and artistry.