Questions & answers
Everything you need
to know before booking
From how the process works to what's included in each service, answers to the questions we hear most often from villa guests, yacht owners and event hosts.
What does hiring a private chef in France actually include?
Hiring a private chef through Oviō covers every aspect of your dining experience: menu consultation, market sourcing, full preparation and service at your property, and complete kitchen clean-up afterwards. Chef Thomas Guérinet handles everything from the initial conversation about your dietary preferences and occasion to the final plate. Services are available for a single evening, a full villa stay, a yacht itinerary, or a multi-day event.
Can I hire a private chef on Île de Ré for a villa stay?
Yes. Île de Ré is one of Chef Thomas Guérinet's primary destinations. He sources ingredients directly from the island's local producers and morning markets (oysters from Ars-en-Ré, seasonal vegetables from Saint-Martin) and designs menus that reflect the Atlantic terroir of the region. Services are available for full-stay villa engagements, single private dinners, and family cooking classes.
Is it possible to hire a private chef in Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Monaco?
Yes. Oviō operates across the French Riviera, including Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. Chef Thomas Guérinet is experienced in catering for yacht charters, private villas, and high-profile events along the Côte d'Azur. Menus are built around Provençal market produce and can be adapted for dietary requirements, formal service, or relaxed alfresco dining.
What is the difference between a private chef and a catering company?
A private chef works exclusively for you and your guests at your own property, designing a bespoke menu around your preferences, the occasion, and the season. A catering company typically delivers pre-prepared dishes from a central kitchen. With a private chef, every element, from the shopping to the plating, happens on-site, and the menu is written specifically for your group.
How does booking a private chef in France work?
The process begins with a free consultation to discuss your dates, location, number of guests, dietary requirements, and the style of dining you have in mind. Chef Thomas Guérinet then proposes a bespoke menu for your approval. Once confirmed, he handles all sourcing, preparation, and service. Most bookings are confirmed two to four weeks in advance, though last-minute requests for available dates are welcome.
Can a private chef handle wedding catering in France?
Yes. Oviō offers full wedding catering services across France, from intimate ceremonies of ten guests to larger receptions. Thomas works closely with couples to design a menu that reflects their taste and the character of their venue, whether a château in Bordeaux, a beachside property on Île de Ré, or a private estate on the Riviera.
Does Oviō offer yacht chef services or private chef hire in Bordeaux?
Yes to both. For yacht charters along the Atlantic coast and the French Riviera, Chef Thomas Guérinet provides on-board catering tailored to the itinerary and galley constraints. In Bordeaux, private chef services are available for château stays, private dinners, and wine-pairing experiences that draw on the region's exceptional local produce and wine culture.
What makes Chef Thomas Guérinet qualified for luxury private clients?
Chef Thomas Guérinet brings over fifteen years of professional culinary experience, including work in Michelin-starred environments and with international luxury brands. His approach combines technical precision with a deep knowledge of French regional terroir and seasonal produce.