The story
At 15 place de la République, Maison Renard stands as a testament to Chef Sébastien Renard’s ambition. The young chef, known to a wider audience from his participation in Top Chef, has returned to the Pas-de-Calais he loves to open his own restaurant. “I want to create a place where I hear people laugh,” he says, “so that we can still say ‘It’s pure happiness!’” This spirit of generous, emotional cooking defines his approach.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored mansion in Béthune’s historic centre, steps from the UNESCO-listed Belfry. This address was once home to Chef Marc Meurin’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Renard now writes his own chapter here, offering a refined yet welcoming setting. The dining room is intimate and elegant, designed for guests to linger over the experience.
The kitchen focuses on modern French cuisine, with dishes that surprise and delight. The restaurant’s website promises “each day will be unique, each bite original.” Chef Renard’s passion and rigour are evident in his cooking, which he describes as telling a story through flavour. The Michelin guide has recognised this, awarding a Recommended distinction for 2026. The menus change regularly, and the chef also offers cooking classes—a chance to step into his kitchen and learn some of his secrets.
Maison Renard is more than a restaurant. It offers five guest rooms, allowing visitors to prolong the culinary experience. The hotel’s décor is elegant and refined, matching the spirit of the table. The restaurant also offers take-home menus (“Notre Cuisine à la Maison”) for those who want to impress guests at home.
Whether you come for a tasting menu, a cooking class, or a night’s stay, Maison Renard delivers a complete, personal encounter with one of northern France’s rising talents.
Recognition
Ambience
Location