Born in Bourges, in central France, Gilles Goujon began his culinary journey in Béziers at the age of 16. Working as a part-time waiter at the Palais des Congrès in Béziers, the young man was fascinated by the natural authority of the chef and decided to make cooking his profession. An apprentice at La Compagnie du Midi and then a commis at Le Ragueneau, he left the rugby town to follow the stars at Le Moulin de Mougins (3 Michelin stars)!
Alongside Chef Roger Vergé, his mentor, he learned and refined his style with a Provençal touch. He then sailed towards Marseille and Le Petit Nice (3 Michelin stars), where he became sous-chef, before moving on to Carry-le-Rouet and L’Escale, where he helped earn a second Michelin star. He made brief stops at Marc Meneau’s (3 stars in Saint Père-sous-Vézelay) and Claude Giraud’s (2 stars in Narbonne) before creating his own universe 30 km from Narbonne.
Gilles Goujon and his wife, Marie-Christine, after some basic renovations at Auberge du Vieux Puits, revived it on June 12, 1992, amid great excitement and energy. Despite financial difficulties and empty service nights, Gilles Goujon attempted the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition and won the prestigious title in 1996. The rewards kept coming: in early 1997, Gilles and Marie-Christine earned their first Michelin star through hard work and perseverance. In less than five years, the couple transformed this place into a flavorful gourmet haven.
In 2001, obtaining the second star, a moment of pure joy, was followed by the opening of the hotel section of the establishment. Auberge du Vieux Puits grew, and the Chef made his mark in the gastronomic world. In 2010, eighteen years after opening, Auberge du Vieux Puits joined the exclusive circle of three Michelin stars—the ultimate recognition. In 2015, the restaurant ranked 9th worldwide in the TOP 10 of “La Liste.”
In 2021, L’Alter-Native opened its doors in Béziers. A committed, precise cuisine driven by the desire to keep things simple and delicious, it earned its first Michelin star in 2022—a well-deserved recognition, the fruit of rigorous and sincere work. In 2023, Auberge du Vieux Puits reached 2nd place worldwide in “La Liste” rankings, in Fontjoncouse.
