Yvan Chevalier is recognized as a Meilleur Ouvrier de France. He began his career in Nantes before returning to Rennes, his hometown, where he opened his first boutique in 2021. Located on Rue de Nemours, his pastry shop attracts a large clientele, to the point that sometimes, the people of Rennes have to wait on the sidewalk. “During Christmas time, everyone comes at the same time,” explains the artisan. “Even with ten additional employees, it wouldn’t change anything.” To ease this influx, he opened a new workshop-boutique along the Route de Lorient. “Here, there are a lot of people passing through, Parisians, locals,” he notes.
In this space dedicated to gourmandise, formerly a garage, Yvan Chevalier welcomes with the same kindness and delicacy. His inspirations, presented with elegance, are exhibited in a refined and spacious decor, designed by Nicolas Bouvier. “When I saw the building, I said yes! The working conditions are excellent, with abundant natural light, which improves our creative comfort.”
Like Rue de Nemours, customers will find a wide range of chocolates here, from praline to ganache. Like Rue de Nemours, they can leave with the best pastries (Bain de Bretagne buckwheat crisp, macaroons, cake, etc.). “Everything you taste here is made on site.” In his recipes, Yvan Chevalier favors quality and local ingredients as much as possible. “The strawberries and raspberries come from Romillé, the apricots from Drôme, the hazelnuts from Piedmont, and the pistachios from Sicily,” he says.
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the chocolate packaging, wrapping and coating unit. But the pastry workshop and the chocolate-making area are not left out thanks to apprentices like Éléonore from the Ferrandi school and the young Japanese Kota. “We are faithful to old practices,” emphasizes the best worker in France.
In September, Yvan Chevalier will launch private classes, organized on Saturday mornings. “We will have a maximum of eight people. These workshops will allow participants to create pastries and leave with their creations.” In the longer term, Yvan plans to collaborate with other artisans, such as the charcutier-caterer Dumont, to offer complete culinary experiences.
Yvan Chevalier now exports his products to Japan and travels there regularly to maintain and develop his business relationships. His workshop-boutique is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., without interruption. For Christmas, a Sunday opening is planned. “We’ll see according to customer demand.” Yvan Chevalier, 2 rue des Chevrons, 35 000 Rennes. Order online and pick up in store, with plenty of parking available. 02 99 62 27 21. To know more.
Kota, young Japanese apprentice.
Infos + : Yvan’s partner, Aurélia, adds her personal touch to the packaging, especially for special occasions like school fetes. “She created a little tablet where children can write a message for their teachers.
