Published on 9/23/25

Pascal Hainigue named Pastry Chef of the Year at Le Chef 2025 awards

The 39th Le Chef awards, held on Monday September 22, 2025 at the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, once again celebrated excellence and innovation in the world of French gastronomy. This year, Pascal Hainigue was crowned Pastry Chef of the Year, joining the ranks of the discipline’s greatest names.

Pascal Hainigue élu chef pâtissier 2025 au trophée le chef

This recognition is all the more prestigious in that the Le Chef title is voted on by all the chefs in the French Michelin Guide.

As a loyal partner to this exceptional event, Valrhona is proud to support the most talented pastry chefs of their generation.

Le Chef awards 2025

  • Chef of the Year: Hugo Roellinger of Le Restaurant Coquillage in Cancale (Ille-et-Vilaine)
  •  Pastry Chef of the Year: Pascal Hainigue of L’Auberge de l'Ill ⭐️⭐️ in Illhaeusern (68)
  • Sommelier of the Year: Steve Gellot of Anne de Bretagne  ⭐️⭐️ in La Plaine-sur-Mer (44)
  • Service award: Coline Humbert of Le Restaurant Jean Sulpice  ⭐️⭐️ in Talloires-Montmin (74)
  • Teaching award: Laurent Petit 

2025 Pastry Chef of the Year honored

This year's award was presented by Thierry Bridron, executive pastry chef at L’École Valrhona and proudly announced by Pierre-Jean Quinonero, Pastry Chef of the Year 2024.

Pascal Hainigue élu chef pâtissier 2025 au trophée le chef

Pascal Hainigue stands out for the finesse of his creations and his ability to revisit classics with a modern touch, while respecting authentic flavors and seasonal produce.

He has established himself as one of the most talented pastry chefs of his generation during a rich and demanding career marked by his experiences in prestigious businesses.

A lifelong passion for excellence

Originally from Alsace, Pascal discovered his vocation for pastry-making at an early age. He trained with top professionals and honed his skills in renowned establishments.
He joined the team at Le Bristol Paris, where he worked alongside Éric Frechon and pastry chef Laurent Jeannin. In 2022, he became head pastry chef at L’Auberge de l'Ill, an iconic French gastronomy location in Alsace, where his adventure continues as he makes his mark on the pastry world.

Congratulations are also due to the remarkable pastry chefs nominated in this category:

  • Naraé Kim of Pur' Park Hyatt Vendome⭐️in Paris (75)
  • Julien Coulomb of La Réserve Ramatuelle ⭐️⭐️ in Ramatuelle (83)
  • Pascal HAINIGUE of l’Auberge de l’Ill ⭐️⭐️ in Illhaeusern (68)
  • Rosalie Boucher of Domaine Les Crayeres ⭐️⭐️ in Reims (51)
  • Florent Margaillan of La Chevre d'Or ⭐️⭐️ in Marseille (13)
  • Gaetan Fiard of Pressoir d'Argent ⭐️⭐️ in Bordeaux (33)