2-star gourmet restaurant in Nimes –
2 Michelin star
The spirit of the place
The
location
Peace and harmony
At the entrance to the village of Garons, Restaurant Alexandre plunges visitors into a landscape of harmony and tranquillity. In the heart of a marvellous garden, you follow a path that exudes true serenity, between monumental pebbles, bushes in shades of green and hundred-year-old pines.
This welcoming natural setting reflects a perfect balance, conceived by the owner, Michel Kayser, and worked on with his gardener partner, so that every season, this vast park, a showcase for the gastronomic experience, provides the perfect setting for a timeless moment.
Colours, natural materials, deep sofas in the library lounge and works of art carefully scattered throughout the three rooms create a warmly balanced interior landscape: in this gourmet restaurant near Nîmes, nothing is left to chance. Every object is thought through, every movement is considered, everything must have meaning. It's an obvious choice for Chef Kayser, a tireless worker who is curious about everything, and who finds in art an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creating and offering a delicate and daring atmosphere, as with these "sentinels" imagined by ceramist Isabelle Doblas-Coutaud, present on the tables and inviting customers to a benevolent meditation.
The
Cuisine
Striving for excellence, conveying the elusive
Offering a moment of pleasure, perhaps sharing the memory of a taste, one that touches the heart with its authenticity and generosity: Michel Kayser's cuisine, in his gourmet restaurant near Nîmes, leaves an indelible memory, full of emotion.
This experienced Chef, who relies on solid classical foundations, rigour and hard work, likes to compare himself to the interpreter of a melody that he has composed from his memories, discoveries, encounters and observations. His only obsession: that it be good.
Creating combinations, sublimating a regional product chosen from local suppliers who have become friends, giving it an unsuspected breadth while respecting the fragile balance, adding a touch of audacity and then carefully and thoughtfully preparing it before, more often than not, tying it all together with a sauce, a juice or even an infusion or sorbet that takes it to new heights of deliciousness: It's a work of perfect balance, an invitation to new horizons, sometimes in the poetic and artistic universe of this sensitive, discreet, free and curious Chef.
The
Service
Discretion & attention
This Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant near Nîmes offers a unique, tailor-made experience. Monique, the hostess, is the conductor of the orchestra in the dining room, combining high standards with human warmth and infusing the place with her professionalism and rigorous service, as well as her kindness and discretion. Both in the dining room and on the peaceful terrace, the entire team ensures that everyone enjoys a memorable experience.
The Chef and his teams
Michel
Kayser
A chef's career
Born in the Vosges region of France, Michel's childhood was marked by long walks in the forest, picnics by the ponds and family gatherings around the dinner table. Since then, Michel has set himself the goal of becoming a chef, and his many professional and human experiences have shaped him both as a cook and as a man.
Although he started out in his native region - at the Auberge de la Charrue d'Or in Sarreguemines, then apprenticed in 1969 with Pierre Sternjacob at the Auberge Albert Marie in Rosbruck - he soon headed south, to Evian-les-Bains in 1973, at the Bourgogne, then to Courchevel, at the Hôtel-Restaurant Les Trois Vallées. At the end of 1976, Michel Kayser joined René Bouvarel's brigade (2 Michelin stars) in Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier, before returning to his homeland two years later in the Kammerzel kitchens (1 Michelin star) in Strasbourg.
A meeting set the course for the rest of the story: in the spring of 1983, Paul Alexandre presented him with the opportunity to take over his brother Pierre's restaurant in Garons, in the Gard region of France. On 28 April, he became head chef at this gourmet restaurant near Nîmes and gradually began buying up shares in the company before finally becoming the owner.
In 1987, the Michelin Guide awarded the restaurant its first star. 13 years later, with his wife Monique, Michel Kayser became the definitive owner of the restaurant, paving the way for further investment: in 2003, the house was completely renovated, and in 2007, it was awarded a second star. 2015 finally marked its entry into the Relais & Châteaux and the prestigious list of "Grandes Tables du Monde". The Gault&Millau Guide finally honoured the house with 4 toques and a score of 18/20.
An inquisitive and creative Chef
An artist at heart
Here at his home in the Gard region of France, Michel Kayser reveals himself in complete freedom and sincerity: building on a solid foundation of classical and technical knowledge, this naturally curious artist is constantly seeking to learn and understand everything, and finds in art the material for reflection and creation, without leaving anything to chance.
Controlled creativity, an inspiring sensitivity and a great capacity for hard work all go towards achieving excellence: an encounter, a memory, an emotion, a work of art, as a starting point, then products from the region, carefully selected from producers he knows by heart. The only thing that counts is the wonder and pleasure of tasting them, which is the best reward of all.
Monique
Kayser
An essential partner
Originally from the Vercors region of France, Monique had always dreamed of being a nurse, but she ended up in the restaurant business, where her family grew up. It was at René Bouvarel's two-star restaurant in Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier that she met Michel. There she completed her apprenticeship in the dining room, where she blossomed and was able to give free rein to her natural generosity and kindness.
Having followed her future husband back to his native Lorraine, she found another job in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Sarreguemines, before leaving the east of France for good to begin her adventure in the Gard region.
Monique, who is fully immersed in her new role as hostess, has given the place a whole new signature, a subtle combination of high standards and human warmth. Welcoming every visitor and leading the team, she embodies the identity of this elegant and sincere family-run business every day, perfectly translating her husband's creations to the customer.
The
Team
A family spirit
In their home, Michel and Monique Kayser cultivate the art of hospitality and generosity, welcoming visitors, whether loyal or just passing through, as if they were in their own home. These sincere hosts have surrounded themselves with trusted colleagues and partners, sharing with them the pleasure of giving pleasure. A family spirit runs through this 2-star gourmet restaurant near Nîmes, with respect and consideration among the committed staff and loyal suppliers to whom the chef and his wife are very attached.
Information & reservation
From September to June : The restaurant is closed on Sunday evening, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
In July and August : The restaurant is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Annual leave : Middle of February – Middle of March
Last order : 01.00PM (lunch time )/ 09.00PM (dinner).
Closing time : 04.30PM ( lunch time )/00.30 Am (dinner )