FAQ
Your questions, answered
Everything you need to know before booking a private chef in Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Ibiza, Île de Ré or Bordeaux. Any other question, contact Thomas directly.
What does a private chef service include?
A private chef service with Oviō includes full menu consultation and design, sourcing of all ingredients from local markets on the morning of service, on-site preparation and cooking, full table service, and complete kitchen clean-up on departure. You receive a bespoke dining experience with no logistics to manage, from the market at dawn to a spotless kitchen after dinner.
What is the difference between a private chef and a resident chef?
A private chef is typically booked for a single event or dinner. A resident chef, also called a live-in chef or chef à demeure, stays with you for the duration of your villa rental or holiday, cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks each day. Thomas offers both formats: one-off private chef bookings for a single evening, and extended resident chef engagements from a few days to an entire season. The approach, menu quality, and level of attention are identical for both.
How much does a private chef cost in Saint-Tropez or the French Riviera?
Private chef fees vary depending on the number of guests, the type of service (single dinner, full day, or resident chef engagement), the complexity of the menu, and the destination. All menus are fully bespoke and priced accordingly. To receive a personalised quote for your dates and requirements, please contact us directly. Ingredients are invoiced separately at cost, with no mark-up.
Which destinations does Thomas serve as a private chef?
Thomas operates primarily across the French Riviera, including Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle, Gassin, Monaco, Cannes and Nice, as well as on the Atlantic coast in Île de Ré and Bordeaux. He also provides villa and yacht chef services in Ibiza and Formentera throughout the summer season.
Can Thomas cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Yes. Because every menu is written from scratch for each engagement, dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, or specific allergies) are incorporated naturally into the menu design rather than treated as an afterthought. All preferences and restrictions are discussed during the initial consultation, before any menu is finalised.
How far in advance should I book a private chef?
For summer bookings in Saint-Tropez, Ibiza, Île de Ré, and other peak-season destinations, we recommend booking at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Extended resident chef engagements for the full summer season are often confirmed several months ahead. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, please contact us to check availability.
Does Oviō provide wedding catering across France?
Yes. Thomas and his team specialise in destination wedding catering across France’s most celebrated regions, from vineyard estates in Bordeaux to Atlantic island venues on Île de Ré and sun-drenched villa receptions along the Riviera. Intimate gatherings of 20 guests or grand celebrations up to 500, the level of attention never changes.