In 2000, two unusual people come to Méjanes. They happen to be Hélène and Néné. Since 1982, they are the guardians of the Beauduc lighthouse. The last ones of their kind. There, they receive their friends and some famous people coming to shoot movies and photos. Among them is Peter Lindberg that will become one of their closest friends. When the lighthouse is being closed, their friend François Brouzet tells them about the Mazet du Vaccarès needing new management. The couple dreaming of opening a fish restaurant and knowing quite well the charming restaurant located on the Vaccarès pond’s edges doesn’t hesitate a second to seize the opportunity. The 1st of April 2000 - April’s fool day known in France as April’s fish day - Hélène and Néné open the door of their new haven. Everybody comes to try and approve the unique and delicious new menu, offering fresh seafood and fishes, fished on that same day in Beauduc, by their son Christophe.
Everything is cooked with love, from the delightful fish soup and its finger-licking monkfish sauce to the clams and the grilled fish cooked on a lava stone. The dessert is always cooked by Hélène and is always exquisite.
To have lunch at the Mazet is an experience you mustn’t miss. People go there for the beauty of the scenery, the friendliness of Hélène, her step-daughter Muriel, her son Christophe, the spirit of the venue, and the delightful dishes. Of course, friends living in the region followed Hélène and Néné to the Mazet, and all their “famous” ones too. Peter Lingberg have some of his pictures hung on the walls. Many great actors like Vincent Lindon, José Garcia, Edouart Baer, François-Xavier Demainson, Charlotte de Turkeim, Agnes Jaoui, and Yvan Attal regularly come with friends and or family. Christophe Willem even chose the restaurant for a private concert.
Our thoughts go to Néné, which has left us… His personality, charisma, contagious cheerful mood that he transmitted to Hélène and Christophe and to which Muriel couldn’t resist.
They form a trio that honors the memory of this irreplaceable and unique man. During each of our meals at the Mazet, we have the impression that Néné will come out of the kitchen and greet us at the table. Yes, he is still here in our hearts.
