Château de Mercuès, an iconic destination in Occitanie combining gastronomy, wine and art de vivre, is proud to have Clément Costes at the helm of its kitchen since January 2025. With his talent and culinary vision, he will enhance La Table gastronomique du Château de Mercuès.
A native of the Côte d'Azur and a lover of the pleasures of the table, 34-year-old Clément Costes has forged his art with some of France's greatest Maisons. His first position at the prestigious Relais de La Poste in Magescq, the oldest two-Michelin-starred restaurant in France, marked the start of a career punctuated by experiences with emblematic chefs such as Joël Robuchon, Jean Coussau and Stéphane Carrade.\nA committed and passionate chef, he has left his mark in renowned establishments including Hôtel Haaitza in Pyla-sur-Mer and Château Fage. His cuisine reflects a strong identity, blending the elegance of classic techniques with the boldness of contemporary inspiration, while remaining rooted in the traditions and flavors of the Southwest, the land that shaped him from childhood.
Since I arrived, we have been actively raising awareness among our teams about today’s environmental challenges.
Our approach can be likened to a pyramid, where the first step is based on the people we choose to work with—those closest to the land. We prioritize producers located within a 100-kilometer radius who are committed to sustainable, sustainable, or organic farming.
Next comes the management of supply chains within the establishment: we ensure optimal flow of goods and optimized supplies. Our kitchen adapts to what nature provides—no more, no less—while fully respecting seasonality.
Finally, this approach extends to the handling of our organic waste. Every day, it is collected and turned into compost, a natural fertilizer that nourishes the château’s gardens. Our vegetable garden, inspired by the principles of permaculture, allows us to grow aromatic herbs and rare varieties that are hard to find elsewhere.
