On the site of the former Feuillants convent located between place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens, Alain Dutournier delights guests with his inventive cuisine.

Along with a deep curiosity and eyes sparkling with laughter, Alain Dutournier has the gift of the gab. Sit back and give this born raconteur free rein and he will lead you for hours through his native region, the southwest of France, interspersing his remarks with anecdotes and informative asides. From the Landes region to Le Carré des Feuillants, his Paris restaurant, you will be captivated by his wide knowledge, shaped by reason, observation and experience.

The menu we tasted led to a discussion of words and regional nomenclature. We learned about choosing products with merciless discrimination, and the art of bringing out the very quintessence of a little chestnut.