Au 14 Février

Japan boasts two museums devoted to the cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who created the famous lovers in 1942, immortalised by a postage stamp. Some of his Japanese admirers thus naturally chose the small village of Saint Valentin to celebrate February 14 in culinary style. Take a seat in the new stripped-back, contemporary interior, graced with the occasional poster or lithography by Peynet. The 100% Japanese white-jacketed brigade conjures up a subtle new take on modern Gallic fare, scattered with delicate Japanese notes. Fine wine list and insightful tips.

Saint-Valentin, a destination in itself

• The restaurant sits in Saint-Valentin, and leans into the love-letter mythology of the village.

Raymond Peynet everywhere

• Posters and lithographs of Peynet’s famous lovers are part of the room’s visual language.

A Japanese brigade cooking French food

• An all-Japanese team cooks modern French dishes, threaded with delicate Japanese notes.

Signature ingredients

• Seasonal produce: the backbone of the kitchen’s modern French framework.
• Japanese aromatics and seasonings: used as light accents rather than heavy fusion.
• Clean sauces and precise cooking: the style favours clarity and restraint over richness.

Menu format

• Modern French cooking with subtle Japanese notes
• A set-menu style experience in a contemporary dining room

What to expect

• Seasonal produce handled with French technique, then finished with light Japanese accents
• A calm room where Raymond Peynet prints and posters are part of the identity