Merci Chef 2026: Your Essential Guide to Athens’ French Culinary Week
From March 1st to 7th, 2026, Athens will become a vibrant stage for French gastronomy, hosting the much-anticipated Merci Chef 2026 festival. This comprehensive guide provides all the practical information you need to navigate this exciting week of culinary delights, featuring Michelin-starred chefs, hands-on workshops, exclusive tastings, and collaborative dining experiences across the city.
What is Merci Chef 2026?
Merci Chef 2026 is a week-long festival celebrating French culinary artistry. It brings together renowned French and Greek chefs, sommeliers, and experts for a series of events designed to appeal to both industry professionals and food enthusiasts. Expect a diverse program that includes brunches, masterclasses, wine tastings, and unique collaborative dinners.
Key Dates and Event Highlights
Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the Merci Chef 2026 program:
Sunday, March 1 – Opening Day
- 12:00-17:00 | Brunch à la Française – Athénée
- What: Savor six signature French desserts by MOF pastry chef Arnaud Larher, alongside Greek pastry expert Stelios Parliaros. Highlights include chocolate éclairs, lemon tart, Parisian flan, and exotic pavlova.
- Where: Athénée, Voukourestiou 9 & Panepistimiou 106 71, Athens
- Reservations: 210 3251 430
- 12:00-18:00 | French Product Tasting for Professionals – La Cave
- What: Premium French product tasting in collaboration with Galitel.
- Where: Kerameikou 111, Athens 104 37
- Contact: Professionals only: 697 029 2444 / [email protected]
- 19:00-22:00 | La Fête des Chefs – Academias Hotel
- What: Welcome party for French guest chefs with a live DJ and Moët & Chandon champagne. Free entry, consumption pay-as-you-go.
- Where: Akademias 38 & Omirou, Athens
- Info: 210 367 0000
Monday, March 2
- 11:00-13:00 | Merci Chef x Air France Competition Finale – NYX Rooftop
- What: Cooking contest final with a grand prize of an Air France round-trip ticket.
- Note: Exclusive for finalists.
- 13:00-14:30 | Masterclass: French Cheeses – LE MONDE School
- What: MOF cheese expert Laëtitia Gaborit introduces students to French cheese and pairing techniques.
- 15:00-16:30 | French Wine Tasting for Professionals – French Embassy
- What: Sommelier Christos Theodoropoulos leads Greek professionals through French wine varieties.
- Note: Invite-only.
- 19:30-23:00 | Fries with Champagne – Hanky Panky
- What: Street-food meets fine dining with chef Grigoris Kikēs. Features a special “Merci Chef” burger with fries and champagne. Collectible T-shirts available.
- 21:00 | Wine Dialogues: French Varieties, Greek Terroir – attica City Link
- What: Special wine tasting pairing French grape varieties with Greek wines and cheeses.
- Note: Invite-only for journalists and professionals.
Tuesday, March 3
- 10:30-13:00 | Brunch de Paris – Ladurée
- What: Signature brunch and live pastry creations.
- Where: Ladurée, Palaiologou Benizelou 11 & Mitropoleos Square
- Reservations: 210 3221929
- 15:00-17:00 | Webinar: Comme des Chefs 2026 – French Institute
- What: French guest chef Nolwenn Corre presents her culinary journey.
- Note: For registered students only.
- 16:00 | Bread & Olive Oil – Deux Amis
- What: MOF baker Rodolph Couston and Greek baker Stefanos Livanios craft breads paired with Greek olive oils.
- Note: Free, open to the public.
- 18:00-21:00 | Wine Exhibition – Choix Wine Concept Store
- What: French wine tasting as part of the “Reflections: From France to Greece” exhibition.
- Note: Free entry.
- 20:00 | Four-Hands Dinner – Pharaoh Restaurant
- What: Collaborative dinner by Greek chef Manolis Papoutsakis and French chef Fanny Herpin.
- Note: Reservations required.
Wednesday, March 4
- 11:00 | Press Meet & Greet – French Embassy
- What: Opportunity to meet the French chefs attending Merci Chef.
- Note: Media only.
- 14:45-16:00 | Bread Workshop – Lycée Franco-Hellénique
- What: MOF baker Rodolph Couston introduces students to traditional bread-making.
- 17:00-19:00 | Cheese Seminar – Nora’s Deli
- What: French MOF cheese expert Laëtitia Gaborit demonstrates cutting and pairing techniques.
- Note: Invite-only.
- 20:00 | French Dinner Across Greece
- What: Chef Stéphane Jakic’s menu served in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Corfu, Mytilene, and Rhodes.
- Note: Reservations at local venues.
Thursday, March 5
- 10:00 | Charity Event – Evangelismos Hospital
- What: 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
- What: Chef Florent Branchu with Greek and French students.
- 14:00 | Art of Pairing: Wine & Chocolate – Academias Hotel
- What: Sommelier Giorgos Loukas, pastry chefs Stelios Parliaros and Arnaud Larher pair French wines with chocolate.
- Note: Professionals only.
- 17:00-19:00 | Art de Vivre Discussion – Saint-George Lycabettus Hotel
- What: Culinary book discussion with Greek and French chefs.
- Note: Invite-only.
- 20:00 | Four-Hands Dinner – House of NYNN
- What: Executive Chef Panagiotis Tziourtzioumis and Michelin-starred Nolwenn Corre.
- Note: Members-only.
Friday, March 6
- 10:00-12:00 | Bien Manger Workshop – Jeanne d’Arc School, Piraeus
- What: Workshop with French chef Florent Branchu.
- Note: For students only.
- 14:00-16:30 | Masterclass – Omirós School, Piraeus
- What: Advanced cooking session with Florent Branchu.
- Note: Students only.
Ongoing Week-Long Experiences (March 1-7)
- attica City Link – Wine Dialogues
- What: Explore French grape varieties cultivated in Greece, paired with French cheeses.
- Note: Open to the public; consumption pay-as-you-go.
- Deux Amis Bakery
- What: Pastries and breads by MOF baker Rodolph Couston available throughout the week.
How to Participate
For events requiring reservations or tickets, please contact the respective venues directly using the provided phone numbers or email addresses. For invite-only events, ensure you have received an official invitation. Many events are free and open to the public, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience French gastronomy without prior booking.
Tips for Attendees
- Plan Ahead: Review the schedule and identify events that interest you. Some events have limited capacity or require reservations.
- Transportation: Athens has an efficient public transportation system. Consider using metro, buses, or taxis to reach event locations across the city.
- Stay Updated: Check the official Merci Chef 2026 website or social media channels for any last-minute changes or additions to the program.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of French cuisine right here in Athens!
Source: https://www.tovima.com/food/merci-chef-2026-a-day-by-day-guide-to-athens-french-culinary-week/
