Merci Chef 2026 transforms Athens into a hub of French culinary artistry. With events spanning brunches, masterclasses, wine tastings, and collaborative dinners across the city and Greece, there’s a taste of France for everyone—professionals, students, and food lovers alike.
Sunday, March 1 – Opening Day
12:00–17:00 | Brunch à la Française – Athénée
Savor six signature desserts by French MOF pastry chef Arnaud Larher, with Greek pastry expert Stelios Parliaros. Highlights include chocolate éclairs, lemon tart, Parisian flan, and exotic pavlova.
📍 Athénée, Voukourestiou 9 & Panepistimiou 106 71, Athens | Reservations: 210 3251 430
12:00–18:00 | French Product Tasting for Professionals – La Cave
Premium French products in collaboration with Galitel.
📍 Kerameikou 111, Athens 104 37 | Professionals only: 697 029 2444 / lacave.athens@gmail.com
19:00–22:00 | La Fête des Chefs – Academias Hotel
Welcome party for French guest chefs with live DJ and Moët & Chandon champagne. Open to the public; free entry, consumption pay-as-you-go.
📍 Akademias 38 & Omirou, Athens | Info: 210 367 0000
Monday, March 2
11:00–13:00 | Merci Chef x Air France Competition Finale – NYX Rooftop
Cooking contest final; grand prize: Air France round-trip ticket. Exclusive for finalists.
13:00–14:30 | Masterclass: French Cheeses – LE MONDE School
MOF cheese expert Laëtitia Gaborit introduces students to French cheese and pairing techniques.
15:00–16:30 | French Wine Tasting for Professionals – French Embassy
Sommelier Christos Theodoropoulos leads Greek professionals through French wine varieties. Invite-only.
19:30–23:00 | Fries with Champagne – Hanky Panky
Street-food meets fine dining with chef Grigoris Kikēs. Special burger “Merci Chef” with fries and champagne. Collectible T-shirts available.
21:00 | Wine Dialogues: French Varieties, Greek Terroir – attica City Link
Special wine tasting pairing French grape varieties with Greek wines and cheeses. Invite-only for journalists and professionals.
Tuesday, March 3
10:30–13:00 | Brunch de Paris – Ladurée
Signature brunch and live pastry creations.
📍 Ladurée, Palaiologou Benizelou 11 & Mitropoleos Square | Reservations: 210 3221929
15:00–17:00 | Webinar: Comme des Chefs 2026 – French Institute
French guest chef Nolwenn Corre presents her journey in culinary schools. For registered students only.
16:00 | Bread & Olive Oil – Deux Amis
MOF baker Rodolph Couston and Greek baker Stefanos Livanios craft breads paired with Greek olive oils. Free, open to the public.
18:00–21:00 | Wine Exhibition – Choix Wine Concept Store
French wine tasting as part of “Reflections: From France to Greece” exhibition. Free entry.
20:00 | Four-Hands Dinner – Pharaoh Restaurant
Collaborative dinner by Greek chef Manolis Papoutsakis and French chef Fanny Herpin. Reservations required.
Wednesday, March 4
11:00 | Press Meet & Greet – French Embassy
Meet the French chefs attending Merci Chef. Media only.
14:45–16:00 | Bread Workshop – Lycée Franco-Hellénique
MOF baker Rodolph Couston introduces students to traditional bread-making.
17:00–19:00 | Cheese Seminar – Nora’s Deli
French MOF cheese expert Laëtitia Gaborit demonstrates cutting and pairing techniques. Invite-only.
20:00 | French Dinner Across Greece
Chef Stéphane Jakic’s menu served in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Corfu, Mytilene, and Rhodes. Reservations at local venues.
Thursday, March 5
10:00 | Charity Event – Evangelismos Hospital
Distribution of juices and croissants to patients and staff. Supported by Air France and French partners.
13:00–14:30 | French Pastry Masterclass – LE MONDE School
Chef Florent Branchu with Greek and French students.
14:00 | Art of Pairing: Wine & Chocolate – Academias Hotel
Sommelier Giorgos Loukas, pastry chefs Stelios Parliaros and Arnaud Larher pair French wines with chocolate. Professionals only.
17:00–19:00 | Art de Vivre Discussion – Saint-George Lycabettus Hotel
Culinary book discussion with Greek and French chefs. Invite-only.
20:00 | Four-Hands Dinner – House of NYNN
Executive Chef Panagiotis Tziourtzioumis and Michelin-starred Nolwenn Corre. Members-only.
Friday, March 6
10:00–12:00 | Bien Manger Workshop – Jeanne d’Arc School, Piraeus
With French chef Florent Branchu, for students only.
14:00–16:30 | Masterclass – Omirós School, Piraeus
Advanced cooking session with Florent Branchu, students only.
Ongoing Week-Long Experiences (March 1–7)
attica City Link – Wine Dialogues
Explore French grape varieties cultivated in Greece, paired with French cheeses. Open to the public; consumption pay-as-you-go.
Deux Amis Bakery
Pastries and breads by MOF baker Rodolph Couston available throughout the week.
