Exploring the 19th Constance Festival Culinaire with Alexis Thiebaut

Alexis Thiebaut, creator behind “Le Paris d’Alexis”, is a reference in the French food scene. Formerly a radio host, Alexis has captivated over 800K followers with immersive videos where he explores the world’s best culinary addresses, original concepts, and emerging gastronomic talent. Traveling across the globe, he seeks out experiences that celebrate both flavour and culture, making the 19th Constance Festival Culinaire the perfect stage for his expertise.

During his stay at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Alexis dived into a week of extraordinary dinners, local flavours, and encounters with world-class chefs. Here, he shares his impressions of the festival, the culinary surprises that delighted him, and the unforgettable moments that defined his visit.

Arriving at the festival, Alexis was immediately captivated.

“Honestly, I was struck by the energy, the beauty, and the magic of the place,” he says. “The welcome was incredible, and the service was attentive to every detail. But beyond that, the festival itself really impressed me. You can feel right away that this isn’t just a gathering of chefs, it’s a celebration of passion.”

Between the stunning surroundings and the vibrant kitchen atmosphere, he felt immersed in a truly unique experience, a festival that goes far beyond traditional culinary events.

For Alexis, the heart of the festival lay in the diversity of styles and flavours.

“Some chefs focus on technical precision, while others celebrate simplicity and the quality of their ingredients,” he explains. Among his standout experiences were dinners by Ørjan Johannessen and Emmanuel Fortuno, which left a lasting impression. And the Gala Dinner by the Constance chefs? “It was one of the best dinners of the week,absolutely unforgettable.”

The festival also offered an introduction to Mauritian specialties like ‘roche cari’ and freshly made ‘farathas’. Unexpected creations such as a surprising truffle dessert added moments of delight, perfectly balancing tradition and innovation.

“There were local products I knew little about and discovering them was one of the highlights of the week,” Alexis reflects.

The resort itself played a central role in shaping Alexis’ experience.

“Dining with a view of the sea, under the natural light, in such a serene atmosphere… it completely changes the perception of a culinary festival,” he says. The beauty of Constance Belle Mare Plage, combined with the warmth and attentiveness of the staff, made every meal special. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, Alexis was impressed by the consistent gastronomic quality and variety, which included both local Mauritian dishes and international cuisine.

The festival wasn’t just about tasting; it was about witnessing craft at the highest level. Alexis found the behind-the-scenes moments in the kitchens incredible. Watching chefs collaborate under pressure gave him insight into the precision, creativity, and dedication that make such a festival extraordinary.

He also had the chance to meet renowned chef Régis Marcon, a personal inspiration, and to interview culinary personality Mercotte for his social media channels, moments he describes as deeply memorable.

For Alexis, the dinners were the highlight, five consecutive evenings of extraordinary cuisine that inspired him to share every detail with his audience. Each evening offered surprises, excitement, and a chance to celebrate culinary artistry at its finest.

If he had to choose one moment to sum up his experience, it would be the final evening of the festival:

“There was an ice sculpture in the cocktail area, the colours of the sunset reflecting off the sea, and the feeling of living the last moments of an exceptional stay. At the same time, there was the excitement of the competition ending and the results being announced. It was magical.”

Alexis Thiebaut’s week at the 19th Constance Festival Culinaire was more than a journey through flavours, it was a celebration of passion, creativity, and luxury hospitality. For food lovers and travellers alike, Mauritius is a place where exceptional cuisine, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences come together in perfect harmony.