Bertrand Grébaut, chef behind Paris's Michelin-starred Septime, dies at 44
The French chef, who turned a former graphic design career into one of Paris's most acclaimed restaurants, passed away on 2 July. His associate Théophile Pourriat announced the death on Instagram.
A graphic designer turned chef
Bertrand Grébaut began his career as a graphic designer before pivoting to cuisine. He trained at the prestigious Ferrandi school and then worked at Alain Passard's L'Arpège in Paris, followed by L'Agapè, where he made a name for himself at just 26.
The Septime phenomenon
In 2011, Grébaut and his friend Théophile Pourriat opened Septime in the 11th arrondissement, far from the traditional haute cuisine neighborhoods. The restaurant's inventive yet simple cooking quickly won acclaim. In 2013, it entered the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and earned a Michelin star. The guide praised its approach.
modern cuisine, slightly creative, predominantly vegetable-based, focused on the product enhanced with mastery: we go to the essential, without frills, with relief, character and always fair seasonings.
The duo expanded with Clamato (seafood), La Cave, and the pastry shop Tapisserie, all near Septime, plus a guesthouse "D'une île" in Orne.
- Opens Septime with Théophile Pourriat in Paris's 11th arrondissement
- Septime enters the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and receives a Michelin star
- Dies at age 44 after a battle with cancer
A discreet but influential figure
Grébaut avoided the star-system of celebrity chefs. The food website Bouillantes described him as "as discreet as he was talented" and noted he "trained many young cooks and instilled a new approach to the profession, a mix of demand and relaxation."
Chef as discreet as he was talented, largely away from the current star-system of the restaurant industry, Bertrand Grébaut trained many young cooks and instilled a new approach to the profession, a mix of demand and relaxation.
Final days and family
Grébaut died on the night of 2 July 2026 after battling cancer. His associate Pourriat announced the news on Instagram on 4 July, writing: "It is with immense sadness that I announce the disappearance of Bertrand. He fought with all his strength and extraordinary courage against the disease. I have lost my best friend, my associate, my brother." He is survived by his partner Tatiana, their children Anna and Roman, and his mother Catherine. The Septime group's restaurants will remain open until the funeral, then close for three days.
It is with immense sadness that I announce the disappearance of Bertrand. He fought with all his strength and extraordinary courage against the disease. I have lost my best friend, my associate, my brother.
