Our family's entrepreneurial history began in 1927 when my grandfather, Lucien Gardinier, founded a firm specializing in the production and distribution of agricultural fertilizers. On the strength of its success, he acquired Le Domaine de Commétreuil in the 1950's to cultivate the land and create his own champagne. Twenty years later, two of his sons, including my father, became the owners of the prestigious Lanson and Pommery brands. Even though they have since been sold, the Group's fondness for the world of champagne lives on, thanks, among other things, to Le Domaine Les Crayères, acquired in the 1980's.

This taste for innovation and enterprise is in our genes! (Laughing) When I and my brothers, Stéphane and Laurent, took over the reins of the family business in the years 2000, we extended its activities by investing in the hospitality sector. Over the years, we have successively acquired Maisons Taillevent, Le Comptoir du Caviar and, finally, the Drouant restaurant.

Our parents instilled fairness and humility in us to prevent any oversized egos in our relationship. We also believe in simple, authentic values such as respect, sensitivity, and perseverance. Our solidarity is felt by all those we work with.

By being used too much, this expression has lost its lustre. We see it, above all, as the art of hospitality, though also as wanting to appeal to all five senses. In each of our addresses, our guests are invited to "Live the emotion". That is how we create a real experience of the fine art of living.

We have always been fascinated by enterprises with rich, long-established heritages. We cherish this heritage and preserve it, while adapting it to suit contemporary taste and expectations. Guests staying in our establishments find the very essence of what they have always been and will continue to be. Our Maisons are resolutely in tune with their time, while proudly honouring their past.

I would even say it is essential! These independent judges offer an objective, external view of our work. Stars, in particular, are a reference in France. We are proud of the values they uphold all over the world.

Innovation lies at the core of the Gardinier Group's identity. Our goal is to continue its expansion while remaining loyal to the entrepreneurial culture handed down to us. By reinforcing the Gardinier Fine Food activity, but also that of hospitality. We are constantly motivated by the desire to create, to see our projects become reality and evolve. It is their fulfilment which drives us each and every day.