At La Madeleine, certain places seem frozen in time. Lucas Carton, a listed Art Nouveau room, has seen Tout-Paris, three Michelin stars and the great times of French gastronomy parade. After several more discreet years, the house is preparing to change its face, without denying nearly two centuries of history. It remains to be seen how far this shift will go.
Because on September 25, 2026, the institution on Place de la Madeleine will reopen its doors with Cyril Lignac at the head of the culinary offering. At 48 years old, the television star chef and experienced restaurateur is entrusted with this monument purchased in June 2026 by Lapérouse Holding. The announced objective is clear: return Lucas Carton to Parisians and breathe new life into this legendary address.
Lucas Carton, Parisian institution before the arrival of Cyril Lignac
Located at 9 place de la Madeleine, Lucas Carton has occupied a building designed by the architect Charpentier since 1839. In 1860, it already attracted all of Paris, before becoming Lucas Carton when Monsieur Carton took over the business between the two wars. In 1933, the house earned three stars in the Michelin Guide and became a legend.
The Art Nouveau woodwork by Louis Majorelle, now classified as a Historic Monument, creates the unique decor of the room. From 1985, chef Alain Senderens left his mark for almost four decades, with very personal cuisine and food and wine pairings that have become emblematic. In 2005, he even chose to give up his three stars to offer a more accessible restaurant.
Lapérouse Holding, new owner of Lucas Carton
After Alain Senderens, several chefs took turns in the kitchen, including Julien Dumas then Hugo Bourny, who maintains the establishment’s Michelin star. In June 2026, the Vranken-Pommery group finally sold Lucas Carton to Lapérouse Holding, founded by Benjamin Patou and Antoine Arnault. This group already owns Lapérouse, Prunier, Lafayette’s and even Auberge Bressane, in a common logic of reviving historic Parisian houses.
Lapérouse Holding specializes in these heritage addresses that it brings up to date, from the Relais Louis XIII to Café Lapérouse. With Lucas Carton, the stakes are all the greater as the Place de la Madeleine has lost attendance in the evening. We must succeed in filling a large listed room by creating a lively, festive place, identifiable by Parisians and visitors alike.
What cuisine for Cyril Lignac at Lucas Carton?
To meet this challenge, the group chose Cyril Lignac, one of the most publicized chefs in France since his debut on M6 in 2005. Between restaurants and pastries, he has built a universe in Paris that extends from Chardenoux to Aux Prés and Bar des Prés, without forgetting his former starred restaurant Le Quinzième, a Michelin star obtained in 2012 and retained until its closure in 2019.
The first information suggests contemporary French cuisine, gourmet and more relaxed than the ceremonial of the large three-star restaurants. Many imagine a bistronomic spirit close to Chardenoux, with legible, generous dishes, less formal service and prices designed to attract regular Parisian customers. The stated ambition would not be to chase the stars, but to make this historic house vibrate again.
When does Lucas Carton reopen with Cyril Lignac?
Lucas Carton is due to reopen on September 25, 2026 in Paris.
Will Lucas Carton aim for Michelin stars?
The first information suggests a house less centered on the stars.
What style of cuisine will Cyril Lignac offer at Lucas Carton?
Contemporary, gourmet and more relaxed French cuisine is announced.
