Glenn Viel is one of France’s leading chefs, holder of three Michelin stars at L’Oustau de Baumaniere at the foot of the spectacular village of Les Baux-de-Provence. A Breton who fell in love with Provence, he restored the restaurant to the three-star status it had first held in the 1950s, and has become a familiar face as a judge on Top Chef.
Building his Mediterranean cuisine on the produce of the estate’s own gardens, Viel combines Provencal ingredients with the food culture of his native Brittany.
TL;DR
- French chef, born in Brittany
- Three Michelin stars at L’Oustau de Baumaniere
- Led the kitchen since 2015; third star regained in 2020
- Located at Les Baux-de-Provence
- A judge on French TV’s Top Chef
Glenn Viel key facts
| Nationality | French (Breton) |
| Restaurant | L’Oustau de Baumaniere, Les Baux-de-Provence (3 Michelin stars) |
| Third star | 2020 |
| Head chef since | 2015 |
| TV | Top Chef judge |
A historic house
L’Oustau de Baumaniere is one of the great names of French gastronomy, having first earned three Michelin stars in the 1950s in a golden era. Glenn Viel took over its kitchens in 2015 and, in 2020, was awarded a third star – restoring the restaurant to the summit it had occupied decades earlier, at the foot of the dramatic hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Provence and Brittany
Though he leads one of the most celebrated Provencal restaurants, Viel is a Breton by birth, and he draws on both worlds. His Mediterranean cuisine is built on the wealth of local produce – olive oil from the Vallee des Baux, organic vegetables from the estate’s own garden, local chicken and pork – while remaining true to the food culture of his native Brittany.
Recognition and television
Viel has become a familiar figure beyond the kitchen as a judge on France’s Top Chef, bringing his rigorous, thoughtful approach to a national audience. Alongside his three stars, his work at Baumaniere is admired for its precision, its sense of place and its deep respect for produce.
Signature style
Viel’s style is Mediterranean and terroir-driven, built on the garden and landscape of Les Baux and enriched by his Breton roots. He is known for his inventiveness with produce and technique – even experimenting with his own ‘seasoning stones’ – while keeping flavour and place at the heart of every dish. It is refined, personal Provencal cuisine at the highest level.
Glenn Viel in context
Viel is one of France’s leading three-star chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Arnaud Donckele and fellow Provence chef Christophe Bacquie.
Follow Glenn Viel
L’Oustau de Baumaniere – official site
Glenn Viel FAQ
Who is Glenn Viel?
A French chef with three Michelin stars at L’Oustau de Baumaniere in Provence.
Where is the restaurant?
At Les Baux-de-Provence, in the south of France.
How many Michelin stars does he have?
Three, regained in 2020.
Is he on television?
Yes – he is a judge on France’s Top Chef.
What kind of food does he cook?
Mediterranean cuisine from the estate garden, with Breton influences.
